Liverpool now know who they could face in the Champions League last-16
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
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Liverpool will face either Atletico Madrid or Galatasaray in the Champions League last-16 when the draw takes place on Friday, with both sides offering a stern test for the Reds. Diego Simeone's side booked their spot in the last-16 following a 7-4 aggregate triumph over Club Brugge.
The first leg had been a thrilling 3-3 draw but Atletico demolished the Belgians 4-1 in the second leg. Turkish giants Galatasaray nearly saw their Champions League ambitions extinguished as they were forced to net twice in extra time to overcome Juventus 7-5 on aggregate, despite going into the second leg with a 5-2 advantage.
Atletico Madrid
Should Liverpool meet Atletico it will mark the second occasion the sides have clashed this season. Goals from Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and a late winner from Virgil van Dijk secured the Reds' 3-2 victory over Atletico in a tense encounter at Anfield in September.
However, it was a tie notable for a breakdown from Atletico boss Simeone that resulted in him being dismissed by the referee. After defeating Brugge, Simeone even insisted he is "not thinking about Liverpool" with a potentially uncomfortable reunion now on the horizon as the notoriously combative Argentinian seeks revenge against the Reds.
Overall, Liverpool have faced Atletico nine times since 2008. The Reds have triumphed in four of those encounters, drawn two and been defeated three times.
The positive news for Liverpool is that Atletico are struggling in La Liga this season, having suffered five defeats and drawn six in 25 matches. Simeone's team finished 14th in the Champions League league-phase, losing three, drawing once and winning four.
Diego Simeone is sent off against Liverpool
Diego Simeone was sent off against Liverpool earlier this season(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
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Whilst Liverpool might not be confronting a classic Atletico outfit, it remains a side driven by unpredictable forwards in the form of Alexander Sorloth, who netted a hat-trick against Brugge, the highly-sought-after Julian Alvarez and veteran Frenchman Antoine Griezmann.
Not forgetting midfielder Marcos Llorente, who has remarkably found the net four times against Liverpool in as many fixtures. Most significantly, and somewhat forebodingly for Slot, Simeone's side have knocked out Liverpool on the two occasions the clubs have clashed in European knockout competition.
In 2020 with Liverpool then under Jurgen Klopp, Atletico saw off the Reds 4-2 on aggregate, despite Liverpool dominating their opponents at Anfield.
In April 2010, the Spanish titans broke red hearts once more. Atletico netted a late away goal at Anfield in the Europa League semi-finals, causing Liverpool, then under Rafael Benitez, to crash out of the tournament.
Galatasaray
Liverpool have faced the Turkish powerhouse five times in European competition. The Reds have only triumphed in one of those matches, losing two and drawing two.
Just like with Atletico, the Reds have already faced Galatasaray this season, suffering a frustrating defeat at the Ali Sami Yen in September by a single goal - a penalty slotted home by Victor Osimhen.
Victor Osimhen celebrates after Galatasaray's victory over Liverpool
Victor Osimhen celebrates after Galatasaray's victory over Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
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You would need to rewind to 2006 to find Liverpool's last victory over the Turkish team. That was a 3-2 win at the Ataturk Stadium with Liverpool then reigning as European Champions under Benitez. Much like the Spanish giants, Okan Buruk's squad boasts an array of striking options that will intimidate any defence.
This season, Mauro Icardi, Osimhen, Burak Yilmaz and Leroy Sane have amassed 34 goals between them, demonstrating that whatever forward line Buruk selects, the threat is present.
The Turkish side also top the Super Lig standings by two points but concluded the Champions League league phase in a disappointing 20th place.
Who would Liverpool rather avoid?
It's a tough call, quite simply. Atletico likely represent the more challenging tie, due to their fiery temperament, range of attacking talent, and not to mention, typically solid defence.
Julian Alvarez looks on
Julian Alvarez is a threat for Atletico Madrid(Image: Europa Press via Getty Images)
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The history between the two clubs, now enhanced by Simeone's red card last September, will also add spice to any potential tie. The fact Atletico have triumphed over Liverpool on every occasion the two have met in a European knockout encounter suggests the odds are in their favour too.
If this is combined with Liverpool's patchy form this season then it's probable the Reds would prefer to face Galatasaray when the draw is made come Friday.
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