Image Credits: Imago Images
The Champions League Round of 16 draw will take place in Nyon at 11:00 GMT on Friday, February 27, when Liverpool will finally discover their first knockout opponents in this season’s competition.
The Reds secured automatic passage from the new league phase into the last 16, and now all eyes on Merseyside turn to the two clubs who have emerged from a dramatic play-off round to complete the line-up.
Atletico Madrid were the first side to book their spot as a potential opponent, overturning Club Brugge in style at the Metropolitano. Diego Simeone’s team followed up a high‑scoring first leg with a 4-1 home victory, powered by an Alexander Sørloth hat-trick and a Johnny Cardoso strike, to seal a 7-4 aggregate success.
After a nervy opening, Atletico’s superior firepower told, ending Brugge’s spirited campaign.
Twenty‑four hours later, Galatasaray produced their own epic to join the last‑16 party at Juventus’ expense. Trailing 5-2 from the first leg in Istanbul, Juve roared back to life in Turin to force extra time at 5-5 on aggregate.
But the Turkish champions refused to buckle; Victor Osimhen struck in added time of the first period before Barış Alper Yılmaz netted late on to complete a remarkable 7-5 aggregate win and send Gala through.
Because Liverpool finished in the top eight of the league phase, they were seeded straight into the Round of 16 and must face a side emerging from the knockout play-offs.
With Atletico Madrid and Galatasaray winning their respective ties, and draw rules preventing clashes with certain group‑stage opponents and fellow seeded teams, the Reds’ options have now narrowed to just those two clubs
Arne Slot’s men will therefore learn on Friday whether it is a reunion with Atlético’s rugged knockout specialists or a fiery rematch with Galatasaray’s comeback kings awaiting them next month.
READ MORE: Inter Milan star blames Liverpool for UEFA Champions League exit
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.