Liverpool are set to learn their Champions League fate and Real Madrid star Trent Alexander-Arnold could be in line for another hostile Anfield return
Chris Burns Senior Sports Writer and Will Schofield Senior Sports Reporter
08:51, 27 Feb 2026
Trent Alexander-Arnold reflects on Real Madrid win over Benfica
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Trent Alexander-Arnold has shown his true colours(Image: TNT Sports)
Liverpool's Champions League route is set to unfold with some tantalising fixtures on the horizon. The Reds concluded third in the league phase, booking their spot in the knock-out stages.
The Reds will now encounter either a rematch with Atletico Madrid or Galatasaray in the last-16. Both teams possess the capability to cause problems for Arne Slot's squad as shown this season alone. Liverpool memorably defeated Atletico 3-2 at Anfield in November with the Spanish giants' boss, Diego Simeone, receiving his marching orders.
Liverpool were also overcome by Galatasaray away from home in September. Each fixture presents Liverpool with a pathway that could see them encounter Real Madrid, and former player Trent Alexander-Arnold, in the subsequent rounds.
Trent Alexander-Arnold's sentiments evident
Trent Alexander Arnold of Real Madrid
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Alexander-Arnold played 90 minutes against Benfica(Image: Quality Sport Images, Getty Images)
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Speaking following Real Madrid's dismissal of Benfica to secure their last-16 berth, Alexander-Arnold made his sentiments evident that he and his team-mates are prepared for whatever challenge awaits them, reports the Mirror.
Alexander-Arnold has already made a return to Liverpool once this season, with Slot's team defeating Los Blancos 1-0 in November. The former Reds full-back began the match on the bench but was greeted with a chorus of boos as he entered the pitch late in the second half.
Liverpool and Madrid could potentially face each other again, in the semi-finals or final, depending on who the Reds draw in the last-16. The England defender isn't apprehensive about facing his old team, however, asserting there is no reason why Madrid shouldn't proceed to claim their 16th European Cup.
"It wasn't about sending a message to anyone, it was about winning the game and letting our football do the talking," Alexander-Arnold stated.
"At the start of every season, our aim is to win this competition. We understand its significance, for the club and for the fans and we know what it means with the club being the most successful in this competition.
"There's an expectation and demand. There's no reason why we can't go on and win it. We're more than prepared to face whatever challenges come next."
Reunion on the cards
Diego Simeone is sent off against Liverpool
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Diego Simeone was sent off against Liverpool earlier this season(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
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Regardless of who Liverpool draw, whether it's Atletico or Galatasaray, a reunion is on the horizon with either Atletico or Galatasaray. Goals from Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and a late winner from Virgil van Dijk ensured the Reds defeated Atletico 3-2 in a heated encounter at Anfield in September.
It was a match notable for a spectacular breakdown from Atletico boss Simeone that resulted in his dismissal. After defeating Club Brugge to secure Atletico's spot in the last-16, Simeone even declared he is "not thinking about Liverpool".
Liverpool have encountered Atletico nine times since 2008. The Reds have triumphed in four of those clashes, drawn two and suffered three defeats.
Simeone's outfit have knocked Liverpool out on the two occasions the clubs have clashed in European knockout competition: in 2020 in the Champions League and in the 2010 Europa League semi-finals.
Liverpool have faced Galatasaray on five occasions in European competition. The Reds have prevailed in just one of those meetings, losing two and drawing two.
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Just as with Atletico, the Reds have already battled Galatasaray this season, suffering a disappointing defeat at the Ali Sami Yen in September by a single goal - a penalty converted by Victor Osimhen. You would have to go back to 2006 to find Liverpool's last victory over the Turkish outfit. That was a 3-2 triumph at the Ataturk Stadium with Liverpool then reigning European Champions under Rafael Benitez.