Liverpool are back in Champions League action as they face Galatasaray
Liverpool return to Champions League action this week as the Reds return to a familiar hunting ground in Istanbul with redemption on their minds.
Arne Slot’s side face Galatasaray in a repeat of their league-phase clash, looking to overturn the memories of a narrow 1-0 defeat at the RAMS Park earlier this season.
Currently priced at to lift the trophy in Budapest, the Reds have found their rhythm after a turbulent autumn, losing just three times in their last 23 outings.
Liverpool head into the first leg on Tuesday, March 10, as favourites to secure an away win, while Galatasaray sit at to repeat their home heroics, with the draw priced at
With a UEFA ruling ensuring an all-Liverpool crowd for the second leg at Anfield, the stage is set for a clinical European performance.
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The view from Reach PLC's Liverpool correspondent, Paul Gorst
Liverpool enter the Round of 16 with a clear point to prove as they prepare for a high-stakes reunion with Galatasaray. Arne Slot’s side will be out for revenge following a frustrating 1-0 defeat in Istanbul during the league phase, a match defined by a dubious penalty and a late Liverpool goal that was controversially chalked off.
That loss triggered a difficult autumn period where the Reds suffered nine defeats in 12 games between late September and November. However, the ship has been steadied significantly since then; Liverpool have lost just three of their last 23 matches, bringing a much-needed sense of stability and confidence back to the squad.
The first leg in Istanbul offers a chance to show that improvement, with the goal of finishing the job back at . A significant factor for the return leg on March 18 is a UEFA ruling that will prohibit Galatasaray fans from attending the match following incidents in their play-off tie against Juventus.
This means Liverpool will have the full backing of Anfield without a vocal away contingent, a scenario that usually plays into the Reds' hands on big European nights. Tactically, the focus will be on nullifying the threat of ictor Osimhen, while Liverpool look to exploit the gaps in the Turkish champions' backline with Hugo Ekitike set to play a major role.
Looking at the wider tournament, Arsenal currently stand out as the team with the most straightforward route to the final, which is a fair reward for finishing top of the league phase. The Gunners are arguably the best defensive side in England, and their ability to travel to hostile environments, sit in, and contain opposition will be crucial to their progress.
Elsewhere, Chelsea potentially remain the 'dark horses' of the competition; while their form has been patchy for a few years, they proved their quality by winning the revamped Club World Cup last summer and still possess a squad brimming with talent. However, the ultimate danger remains Bayern Munich, who look set to be a formidable obstacle for anyone in their path.
Liverpool shouldn't hold any fears about its path to the Champions League final (Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool's potential route to the Champions League final:
Last 16: Galatasaray
Quarter-finals: Paris Saint-Germain or Chelsea
Semi-finals: Real Madrid, Manchester City, Atalanta or Bayern Munich
Final: Arsenal, Bayer Leverkusen, Bodø/Glimt, Sporting CP, Newcastle, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid or Tottenham.
Arsenal
Bayern Munich
Barcelona
Man City
PSG
Liverpool
Real Madrid
Atletico Madrid
Chelsea
BAR
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