Liverpool are into the last-16 of the Champions League for a sixth successive year.
Their 2-0 win over Napoli wasn’t enough to see them top Group A, but they’re still into the hat as runners-up.
As of now, there are only six teams Liverpool could face in the next round. That will be whittled down to just four group winners by the end of tonight.
Among them are Liverpool’s dream Champions League opponents, their dreaded conquerors and a potential reunion with an old friend.
Here are the six teams that Jurgen Klopp’s side could play in this year’s round of sixteen.
The dream draw
Some years, the difference between winning the group and finishing second turns out to be minimal. Unfortunately for Liverpool, this probably isn’t one of those years.
The success of English clubs in this year’s competition means that three groups are already off-limits for Liverpool. Taking Napoli out of the equation too, that leaves just four sections to pick from. Truth be told, there are some big hitters in there. There’s no escaping that.
And yet, Liverpool could still inevitably draw Porto in the next round. Having won a group containing Atletico Madrid, the Portuguese side must be praying to avoid Liverpool this season.
The Reds have met the Dragons six times over the last five campaigns. Taking an aggregate, Liverpool have battered Porto 18-2 over those six games.
There’s still a chance both RB Leipzig and Benfica could win their respective groups, too. Having put out both sides over the last two seasons, those could be other, favourable draws for Liverpool.
Revenge on the cards, or a nightmare revisisted?
That’s the good news out the way I’m afraid, Liverpool fans. From here on in, your potential opponents are like a who’s who of Europe’s heavyweights.
So far though, the only other team definitely through as group winners are Bayern Munich. Of course, should Liverpool draw the Germans, the big news would be a reunion with Reds legend Sadio Mane. Mouth-watering.
Another tie to get the saliva glands going would be a repeat of last year’s final. Yes, Liverpool could be offered the chance of revenge against Real Madrid. A win against Celtic tonight would see them top their group.
Finally, Liverpool could face football’s most fearsome attack. Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar have been ridiculously prolific this season. As a result, it would be a treat to see PSG at Anfield in the next round.
They need to better Benfica’s result against Maccabi Haifa tonight to win Group H. Playing away at an unpredictable Juventus side, that isn’t a foregone conclusion.
So, there you have it. It could perhaps be worse for Liverpool. Fans could be forgiven for donning their Benfica or Leipzig shirts this evening, though.
Liverpool’s potential last-16 opponents confirmed: Bayern Munich, Porto
Liverpool’s potential last-16 opponents to be confirmed: Benfica, PSG, RB Leipzig, Real Madrid
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