AHEAD of today’s draw, Liverpool have a better understanding of who they will play in the Champions League last-16.
The top eight clubs advanced directly to the round of 16 under the new league phase format, avoiding a two-leg elimination play-off match.
To guarantee the eight unseeded teams in the round of 16, the teams ranked ninth through twenty-four were forced into a play-off stage.
Despite losing their last match to PSV Eindhoven, Arne Slot’s team easily advanced through the league stage to take the top spot.
Liverpool are not the competitions top scorers or the best defensive side, yet their sheer consistency and versatility has made them the tournament’s favourites according to various sources.
Who could Liverpool face in the Champions League Last 16 draw?
Following their league-stage position, Liverpool were allocated to play either the 17th and 18th seed or the winner of the play-off matches between the 15th and 16th seeds.
They had four potential opponents going into the playoffs: Paris Saint-Germain, Brest, Benfica, or Monaco. You would think that would guarantee a very smooth trip to the quarterfinals.
After a thrilling 3-3 draw in Portugal on Tuesday, Benfica advanced past Monaco 4-3 overall, and PSG crushed French compatriots Brest 7-0 in the second leg after winning the first leg 3-0.
PSG or Benfica will be Liverpool’s confirmed opponent in the last-16 draw on Friday, February 21.
Either March 4 or March 5 will see the first leg of those ties, with the follow-up matches taking place a week later.
Anfield will host the second match, while Liverpool will travel as seeds for the first leg.
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