Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool are back in Champions League draw mode — and one of the two possible last-16 opponents is a side that has already landed a blow on Arne Slot’s team this season.
Galatasaray beat Liverpool 1-0 earlier in the league phase in Istanbul, with Victor Osimhen scoring the game’s only goal from the penalty spot.
Now, Liverpool know their last-16 draw will pitch them against either Galatasaray or Atlético Madrid. The club confirmed the two-team shortlist this week after the play-off ties locked the bracket into place, leaving the Reds waiting to find out whether they’re heading back into a rematch narrative or into a very different kind of tactical test against Diego Simeone’s Atlético.
The draw itself takes place on Friday, February 27. Liverpool, who progressed from the league phase as a seeded qualifier, will be paired with one of those two opponents when UEFA conducts the ceremony.
As for the dates supporters will immediately be checking calendars for: the first leg of Liverpool’s last-16 tie is scheduled for March 10/11, with the return at Anfield on March 17/18.
However, speaking after he helped knock out Serie A giants Juventus, Osimhen is under no illusions at how tough facing Liverpool in a knock-out European fixture will be:
“I mean to be honest with you, meeting Liverpool now is going to be like some sort of revenge,” he said live on CBS Sports.
“Anyone we meet now… I wouldn’t say much but I would like to escape Liverpool.”
“But if they come, yeah, we’re going to dig it out but it’s not going to be easy. I mean, this is the Champions League. No team is easy; we can see how flying Bodo/Glimt are really doing in this tournament.”
“If you want to win, you also have to play the big dogs and make a statement for yourself.
“We’ve met Liverpool, but we haven’t played at Anfield. If we meet them, it’s going to be an amazing game. I think we’re up to the task, it’s not going to be easy, of course, but we have fight in us.”
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