Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool’s route back in Europe’s elite knockouts now has a little more shape – and a couple of nights that already feel like they could define the early spring of this season.
The Reds now know exactly when their Champions League campaign will resume, with UEFA confirming fixture dates and kick-off times for the last-16 showdown against Galatasaray.
The first leg will be played at RAMS Park in Istanbul on Tuesday March 10, with kick-off set for 5.45pm GMT. That slightly earlier start time is useful detail to know for travelling supporters and those watching from home.
RAMS Park, renowned for its noise and colour, will provide a demanding backdrop as Liverpool look to establish a foothold in the tie in front of a partisan Turkish crowd.
The return leg at Anfield has been scheduled for Wednesday March 18, with an 8pm GMT kick-off confirming a classic European night under the lights on Merseyside. With the second leg at home, Liverpool will hope to channel the kind of Champions League atmosphere that has so often tilted knockout ties in their favour, with the Kop poised to play its part if the aggregate scoreline is still finely balanced.
The spacing of the games – eight days apart – also gives Slot and his staff a clear window to manage workloads around domestic commitments, with March now looking full with an FA Cup tie against Wolves in the first week of the month.
Supporters can already begin mapping out travel, days off work and matchday routines around a pair of dates that could go a long way to defining how deep Liverpool can go in Europe this season.
Meanwhile, Arne Slot said of the tie:
“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.
“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.”
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