Image Credits: Imago Images
The balls came out of the bowl in Nyon earlier today in the Champions League with Liverpool among the seeded sides after finishing third in the league phase, guaranteeing them a second leg under the lights at Anfield.
When Galatasaray’s name followed, it confirmed a return to Istanbul for Arne Slot’s men and a shot at revenge after the Turkish champions edged a tight league‑phase meeting via a Victor Osimhen penalty. The tie will be played over two legs in March, with the first clash at Rams Park before everything is decided back on Merseyside a week later.
Liverpool knew before the ceremony that there was a strong chance of a Galatasaray rematch, with the Reds’ seeding placing them in a mini‑pool alongside Atletico Madrid, Club Brugge and Juventus during the build‑up to the draw.
In the end, it was Gala who emerged from their play‑off with Juventus, leaving Atletico, Brugge and the Italians as three of the sides Liverpool were spared when the draw was finally made. Add in heavyweight names dotted around the bracket – Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona and others – and it shows just how valuable that seeded status could prove as the tournament wears on
Now Arne Slot has reacted to the draw at the AXA this Friday:
“Given the possibilities of the draw, we got exactly what we anticipated and that is a tough last-16 draw against an opponent we have faced once already this season,” he reflected to Liverpoolfc.com at the AXA Training Centre immediately following Friday morning’s draw.
“We know in the away leg we will have to perform better than the last time we were in Istanbul back in September. That is our immediate challenge in this tie, especially as we know Galatasaray had such a positive result against Juventus to reach the last 16.”
“But the main feeling is excitement because this is what we worked so hard for in the league stage. We wanted to be here and now we want to make the most of being here.”
“We have important games in other competitions before the Champions League comes back around of course, so hopefully when the tie arrives we will be as ready for it as we can be.”
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.