Liverpool's Champions League fate is imminent as Trent Alexander-Arnold opens up on his hopes of winning the prestigious tournament
Trent Alexander-Arnold reflects on Real Madrid win over Benfica
Trent Alexander-Arnold reflects on Real Madrid win over Benfica (Image: TNT Sports)
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Liverpool's Champions League route is set to be unveiled with some tantalising fixtures on the horizon. The Reds came third in the league phase, booking their spot in the knock-out stages.
They will now encounter either a rematch with Atletico Madrid or Galatasaray in the last-16. Both teams possess the capability to trouble Arne Slot's side as evidenced this season.
Liverpool memorably defeated Atletico at Anfield in November with the Spanish giants' manager, Diego Simeone, being dismissed. Arne Slot's side were also overcome by Galatasaray on the road in September. Both fixtures offer Liverpool a pathway that could see them face Real Madrid, and former player Trent Alexander-Arnold, in the subsequent rounds.
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The ECHO examines Alexander-Arnold's sentiments on returning to the Reds whilst Simeone has also expressed his views on facing Liverpool.
Trent Alexander-Arnold's sentiments clear
Speaking following Real Madrid's victory over Benfica to secure their last-16 berth, Alexander-Arnold made his feelings evident that he and his teammates are prepared for whatever challenge lies ahead - and that could include facing his former club. The defender has already made one return to Liverpool this season, with Slot's team defeating Los Blancos 1-0 in November.
The former Reds full-back began the match on the substitutes' bench but was greeted with a chorus of boos as he entered the pitch late in the second half.
Liverpool and Madrid could now face each other once more, in the semi-finals or final, depending on whom the Reds are paired with in the last-16 after the La Liga giants defeated Benfica midweek. The England defender isn't apprehensive about confronting his former club, however, stating there is no reason why Madrid shouldn't go on to secure their 16th European Cup.
Trent Alexander Arnold of Real Madrid in action
Alexander-Arnold played 90 minutes against Benfica(Image: Quality Sport Images, Getty Images)
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"It wasn't about sending a message to anyone, it was about winning the game and letting our football do the talking," Alexander-Arnold told TNT Sports after the game.
"At the start of every season, our aim is to win this competition. We know the importance of it, 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 ready to face whatever challenges come next."
Rematch on the cards
Whichever team Liverpool are drawn against, whether Atletico or Galatasaray, a reunion is inevitable with the Reds facing both teams already this season. Goals from Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and a late winner from Virgil van Dijk secured the Reds' 3-2 victory over Atletico in a fiery encounter at Anfield in September.
The match was notable for a remarkable outburst from Atletico manager Simeone which resulted in his dismissal. Following victory over Club Brugge to secure Atletico's progression to the last-16, Simeone even insisted he is "not thinking about Liverpool".
Liverpool have encountered Atletico nine times since 2008. The Reds have triumphed in four of those meetings, drawn two and suffered three defeats.
Diego Simeone is sent off against Liverpool
Diego Simeone was sent off against Liverpool earlier this season(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
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Simeone's outfit have knocked Liverpool out on both occasions the clubs have met in European knockout competition: in 2020 in the Champions League and during the 2010 Europa League semi-finals.
Liverpool have faced Galatasaray on five occasions in European competition. The Reds have secured victory in just one of those fixtures, losing two and drawing two.
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The Reds have already met Galatasaray this season, suffering a disappointing defeat at the Ali Sami Yen in September by a solitary goal - a penalty converted by Victor Osimhen.
You would need to look back to 2006 to find Liverpool's most recent victory over the Turkish club. That was a 3-2 triumph at the Ataturk Stadium with Liverpool then reigning European Champions under Rafael Benitez.