Liverpool will discover their round of 16 opponents when the Champions League draw takes place on Friday
The Champions League trophy during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 First Qualifying Round Draw.
Liverpool will be hoping to lift the Champions League trophy again this season(Image: Kristian Skeie - UEFA, UEFA via Getty Images)
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UEFA could be bracing for chaos involving Liverpool and Manchester City if Friday's Champions League draw unfolds in a particular way. The two Premier League clubs are in the round of 16 draw, having automatically advanced from the group stage.
They will learn their opponents when the draw is conducted on Friday, after the knockout play-off stage has concluded. Both clubs are awarethey will face one of three teams, which will be narrowed to two following Wednesday night's second legs.
For Liverpool, it's between Atletico Madrid, who secured their spot with a 7-4 aggregate victory on Tuesday night, and either Juventus or Galatasaray. The Turkish club currently hold a 5-2 lead from the first leg.
For City, they will face either Bodo/Glimt, who beat Inter 5-2 on aggregate, or Real Madrid or Benfica. Real Madrid currently lead that tie 1-0 on aggregate.
For both teams, the first leg will be played away from home. With Liverpool potentially being drawn against Atletico Madrid, and City possibly facing Real Madrid, it means both sets of supporters could be in the Spanish city simultaneously.
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If that proves to be the case, and given the recent rivalry between both clubs, it suggests that additional security measures may need to be implemented by UEFA and the local police force. The clubs are also direct rivals in the Champions League as well as for domestic trophies.
The first leg of the round of 16 phase will take place on March 10 and 11. The second legs will then occur a week afterwards, on March 17 and 18.
Florian Wirtz celebrates scoring the team's second goal with Hugo Ekitike during the UEFA Champions League football match between Liverpool and Qarabag at Anfield.
Liverpool are waiting to discover their Champions League last 16 opponents(Image: PAUL ELLIS, AFP via Getty Images)
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Liverpool and City have been vying against each other for the Premier League crown over recent years, with City emerging victorious more frequently. However, Liverpool capitalised on Pep Guardiola's team faltering last season to secure their 20th league championship.
Both sides will also be aiming to add to their Champions League tallies this season. Liverpool have claimed the tournament and its predecessor six times, whilst City lifted the trophy for the first time in 2022/23.
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