Joe Cole made a bold prediction about Liverpool in the Champions League on BT Sport after Friday’s draw. The Reds now face Benfica.
UEFA held their Champions League Quarter-Final and Semi-Final draws on Friday, with Liverpool in the mix. And honestly, you’d have to say it couldn’t have gone better for the Reds.
They’ll face Benfica, regarded as the weakest remaining team in the competition. Even better, the second leg is at Anfield – as we say, it was the best possible draw.
Liverpool will be overwhelming favourites to progress to another Champions League semi-final. There, they’ll face the winners of Villarreal and Bayern Munich – no prizes for predicting that one.
The other side of the draw sees Chelsea vs Real Madrid and Manchester City vs Atletico Madrid. You’d have to say those are four potential winners of the competition, even if Atletico’s form hasn’t always been stellar this season.
Liverpool in the Champions League
Joe Cole did punditry on the draw for BT Sport and the former Chelsea and Liverpool playmaker came away with incredible confidence for the English sides.
“Without a doubt [all three English sides go through], without a doubt,” said Cole. “No question about it. They’ll all be delighted with that result and I can see another all-English final, as well.”
Like we say, he’s confident. And whether he knew he was saying it or not, that’s actually a bold prediction for Liverpool above all else. The all-English final only happens if the Reds make it, such is the layout of the semi-final draw.
That almost certainly means getting past Bayern, unless there’s a major upset. Now, we know Liverpool are capable of that – they’ve done it before en route to winning the competition – but it’ll be their biggest test.
Up first, however, are Benfica. They’ve already provided a couple of shocks this season – let’s hope Liverpool prevent a third.
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