After discovering it will face Liverpool in the Champions League last-16, the Reds also learnt which clubs it could be paired against in the quarters, semis and possible final
11:24, 27 Feb 2026Updated 11:47, 27 Feb 2026
Champions League trophy
Liverpool's potential route to the Champions League final has been revealed
Liverpool's potential route to the Champions League final has been confirmed following Friday's knockout draw.
As is customary, the last-16 draw, which saw the Reds paired with Galatasaray, preceded the full knockout draw, in which Arne Slot's side discovered the sides it could face at the quarter-final, semi-final and the final.
The draw was conducted by former Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic from Uefa's headquarters in Nyom. Ex-Reds striker Ian Rush was among the Liverpool contingent present in Switzerland.
The Reds now know they could Paris Saint-Germain or Chelsea in the quarter-finals, with one of Real Manchester Manchester City, Bayern Munich or Atalanta offering a possible semi-final opponent.
If Liverpool was to make it all the way to the final, Arsenal, Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspur or Newcastle United are among the club that could lie in wait in Budapest.
In that sense, Liverpool has certainly been drawn in the tougher bracket that includes the reigning European and world champions, and the last 10 winners of the competition.
In contrast, Arsenal's chances of going all the way have been strengthened by Friday's draw. It has been included in the kinder brackets, with a last-16 tie against Bayer Leverkusen followed by a possible quarter-final clash with Bodo/Glimt or Sporting Lisbon.
Full Champions League brackets from Friday's draw
Full Champions League brackets from Friday's draw
Draw in full
Last 16 ties
Real Madrid vs Manchester CityBodo/Glimt vs Sporting LisbonChelsea vs Paris Saint-GermainNewcastle United vs BarcelonaGalatasaray vs LiverpoolAtletico Madrid vs Tottenham HotspurAtalanta vs Bayern MunichBayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal
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Quarter-finals
Chelsea or Paris Saint-Germain vs Galatasaray or LiverpoolReal Madrid or Manchester City vs Atalanta or Bayern MunichNewcastle United or Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid or Tottenham HotspurBodo/Glimt or Sporting Lisbon vs Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal
Semi-final
Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Galatasaray or Liverpool vs Real Madrid, Manchester City, Atalanta or Bayern MunichNewcastle United, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid or Tottenham Hotspur vs Bodo/Glimt, Sporting Lisbon, Bayer Leverkusen or Arsenal
Final
Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Galatasaray, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Atalanta or Bayern Munich vs Newcastle United, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid Tottenham Hotspur vs Bodo/Glimt, Sporting Lisbon, Bayer Leverkusen or Arsenal