Liverpool's Potential Champions League Round of 16 Opponents Revealed for 2025-26
Amid a season filled with challenges and disappointment for Liverpool, the Champions League has provided a welcome refuge for the most part.
Certainly, there was the setback against Galatasaray in Istanbul and the embarrassing loss to 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 performances.
The Merseyside club has 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 standings. While celebrating automatic qualification, there are still several challenging potential matchups awaiting Liverpool in their next European encounter.
Below are Liverpool's possible adversaries for the Champions League round of 16.
Liverpool's Potential Champions League Round of 16 Opponents
Liverpool's Potential Champions League Round of 16 Opponents
Liverpool's adversaries for the round of 16 are largely predetermined. Given 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 already encountered during the league phase. Liverpool kicked off 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. The 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 most favorable potential opponent. A rematch of the 1978 European Cup final would suit the Merseysiders perfectly.
When Is the Champions League Round of 16?
When Is the Champions League Round of 16?
Approximately six weeks will elapse between Liverpool's last league phase match and the opening leg of their round of 16 encounter, which will take place away from Anfield on Mar. 10/11. The return leg, to be played at Liverpool's home ground, is scheduled for the subsequent week on Mar. 17/18.
The round of 16 draw is set for Feb. 27.