Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool might not be in action in this week’s Champions League knockout play‑off first legs, but Arne Slot and his players will have watched them with real interest. As one of the top seeds, the Reds are already safely in the round of 16, waiting to see who emerges from the tie cluster that will determine their opponent.
Liverpool and Tottenham are paired on the bracket and will be drawn against the winners of two play‑off paths involving Galatasaray, Juventus, Club Brugge and Atletico Madrid. Galatasaray took a huge step towards the last 16 this week, racking up a three‑goal first‑leg lead that makes them strong favourites to progress in their tie.
In the other path, Club Brugge fought back from two goals down at home to draw 3-3 with Atletico, leaving Diego Simeone’s side still fancied to finish the job in next week’s second leg in Madrid.
Put simply, the way the first legs have gone, Liverpool’s most likely round of 16 opponent looks to be either Galatasaray or Atlético by the time the dust settles on the return games.
When is the Round of 16 draw?
All of that feeds into next Friday’s main event: the draw for the Champions League round of 16 proper. UEFA will stage the ceremony on Friday, February 27, with proceedings expected around 12:00 CET at its headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, in line with previous Champions League draws.
The event will decide which of the play‑off winners travels to Anfield first, with Liverpool guaranteed home advantage in the second leg thanks to their strong league‑phase finish.
Supporters will be able to follow the draw live on UEFA’s official platforms, with a free stream typically available via UEFA.com and the official UEFA YouTube channel, while major rights holders such as TNT Sports/Discovery+ in the UK.
Once the names are out of the bowls, attention will turn quickly to the pitch, with round of 16 first legs scheduled for March 4-5 and second legs on March 11-12 as Liverpool’s latest attempt at European glory truly begins.
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