Liverpool await next Friday’s Champions League last 16 draw knowing they can face one of four teams, with one taking a big step towards qualifying on Tuesday.
Before the knockout stages of the Champions League can be drawn, the sides who finished ninth to 24th in the league phase face each other in eight playoff ties.
The first legs of those began on Tuesday night, with Galatasaray‘s home clash with Juventus the tie of interest to Liverpool.
It ended in a 5-2 victory for Galatasaray to hand them a major advantage ahead of the return leg in Italy next week.
Gabriel Sara put the hosts 1-0 up early on only for Teun Koopmeiners to immediately equalise and then score another to put Juventus 2-1 ahead.
But further goals from Noa Lang (two), Davinson Sanchez and Sacha Boey earned a big win for Galatasaray over a side who finished seven places above them in the league phase.
It means Juventus must win by four goals or more in the second leg next Wednesday in order to secure a place in the last 16 draw – something they have only done once in this season: a 5-0 win over Cremonese in Serie A.
Champions League Last-16: Draw Info & Potential Opponents
Liverpool are seeded for the Champions League last-16 draw on February 27, meaning they will face one of Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Galatasaray or Club Brugge.
Draw Date Friday, Feb 27 (11am GMT)
Match Dates March 10/11 & March 17/18
Potential Opponent A Galatasaray or Juventus
Potential Opponent B Atlético Madrid or Club Brugge
Seeded Status Seeded (Anfield second leg)
Of course, winning this tie does not guarantee a last-16 clash with Liverpool, with Club Brugge vs. Atletico Madrid kicking off on Wednesday night in the other fixture of the bracket.
But Galatasaray have certainly taken a big step towards qualifying, which would see them play either Liverpool or Tottenham in the next round.
Liverpool have of course already played Okan Buruk’s side this season, with the Reds losing 1-0 in Istanbul during the league phase through Victor Osimhen’s early penalty.
When is the Champions League last 16 draw?
NYON, SWITZERLAND - AUGUST 5: A view of the draw balls ahead of the UEFA Champions League, 2024/25 Play-offs Round Draw at the UEFA Headquarters, The House of the European Football, on August 5, 2024 in Nyon, Switzerland (Photo by Kristian Skeie - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Liverpool will discover their last 16 opponent during the Champions League draw on Friday, February 27.
This is also when the draw for the quarter-final, semi-final and final will take place.
It is also worth noting that there are no protections during the knockout stage, meaning Liverpool can play another club from England or face a team they already met in the league phase.
When will the Champions League last 16 be played?
NYON, SWITZERLAND - AUGUST 4: A general view of the UEFA Champions League trophy during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Play-offs Round Draw at the UEFA Headquarters, The House of the European Football, on August 4, 2025, in Nyon, Switzerland. (Photo by Isaac Bertin - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
The rest of the dates for this season’s Champions League, including those for the last 16, are as follows:
Knockout playoffs: February 17/18 and 24/25
Knockouts draw – February 27
Last 16: March 10/11 and 17/18
Quarter-final: April 7/8 and 14/15
Semi-final: April 28/29 and May 5/6
Final: May 30 (Budapest)