Liverpool's Potential Champions League Round of 16 Opponents Revealed
Throughout a season marked by disappointment and negativity for Liverpool, the Champions League has provided a welcome relief for the most part.
Certainly, there was the loss to Galatasaray in Istanbul and embarrassment against PSV Eindhoven, but Liverpool have typically reserved their finest displays for European competition. Triumphs against teams like Atlético Madrid, Real Madrid, Inter and Marseille have highlighted the contrast with their poor league form.
The Reds have secured their place in the tournament's round of 16, bypassing the knockout playoff stage thanks to their top-eight position in the league phase. While celebrating automatic qualification, some challenging potential matchups await Liverpool when they return to European action.
Below are Liverpool's potential adversaries for the Champions League round of 16.
Who Could Liverpool Face in the Champions League Last 16?
Who Could Liverpool Face in the Champions League Last 16?
Liverpool's round of 16 adversaries are largely predetermined. Following their third-place finish in the Champions League league phase, the Reds will meet one of the teams that placed 13th, 14th, 19th or 20th in the table—though only two of these clubs will advance past the knockout playoff stage.
Several formidable teams feature in this group, including two that Liverpool have previously encountered during the league phase.
Liverpool began their European journey against Atlético Madrid in September, needing a dramatic late Virgil van Dijk goal to secure a 3–2 victory. These teams could meet again in the round of 16, though the Reds would prefer to avoid Diego Simeone's cunning tacticians.
As noted earlier, Galatasaray defeated Liverpool in the second league phase match when Victor Osimhen's spot-kick settled a closely contested battle. The Reds may get a chance for payback in the round of 16.
The rejuvenated Juventus, who are flourishing under Luciano Spalletti's leadership, represent another potential matchup. These clubs haven't met since the 2004–05 Champions League quarterfinal during Liverpool's triumphant campaign.
The most appealing encounter would be against Club Brugge, with the Belgian side being Liverpool's ideal opponents. A rematch of the 1978 European Cup final would suit the Merseysiders perfectly.
Liverpool's Potential Champions League Last 16 Opponents
Liverpool's Potential Champions League Last 16 Opponents
When Is the Champions League Round of 16?
When Is the Champions League Round of 16?
Approximately six weeks will elapse between Liverpool's concluding league phase match and the opening leg of their round of 16 encounter, scheduled away from Merseyside on March 10/11. The return leg, taking place at Anfield, follows one week later on March 17/18.
The round of 16 draw is set for Feb. 27.