Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool’s Champions League round of 16 picture has finally sharpened into focus, and it already carries a distinctly heavyweight feel. Atletico Madrid booked their place in the draw with a second-leg win over Club Brugge, while the other possible opponent will be decided between Galatasaray and Juventus, with the Turkish giants taking a commanding three-goal lead into the return leg in Turin.
One way or another, Liverpool are heading for a tie steeped in narrative, hostile atmospheres and serious European pedigree.
Attention now turns to Nyon, where UEFA will stage the round of 16, quarter-final and semi-final draw on Friday 27 February at 11:00 UK time. Liverpool, who qualified directly for the last 16 by finishing third in the league phase, already know they will be paired with one of Atletico or the winner of Galatasaray versus Juventus, with the other side going to Tottenham.
In principle, the Reds are due to be away from home for the first leg on either 10 or 11 March, before bringing the tie back to Anfield on 17 or 18 March.
Those windows have now been narrowed even further by BBC football issues correspondent Dale Johnson, who has effectively mapped out Liverpool’s likely schedule around the Premier League’s recent fixture announcement.
Johnson has outlined that Arsenal are set to play their Champions League ties on Wednesday 11 March and Tuesday 17 March, leaving Liverpool and Tottenham to take the Tuesday 10 March and Wednesday 18 March slots instead.
The key factor is that Liverpool’s league clash with Spurs on Sunday 15 March is not expected to move, which in turn points to their European second leg being pencilled in for the Wednesday night under the Anfield lights.
UEFA will not officially confirm kick-off dates until after Friday’s draw, but the pattern is already there for those willing to read between the lines.
Unpicking the Premier League’s fixture announcement around the Champions League games.
Means it looks pretty certain that:
Arsenal play their UCL games Weds, March 11 and Tuesday, March 17
Liverpool and Tottenham play their UCL games Tues, March 10 and Wednesday, March 18
— Dale Johnson (@DaleJohnsonBBC) February 24, 2026
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