Why Man City getting through in the Champions League is actually fantastic news for Liverpool

Add as preferred source on Google

Despite losing their final league phase game to PSV Eindhoven, Liverpool coasted through in the Champions League on Wednesday.

After winning their opening seven games, the Reds were in an enviable position going into the last matchday.

Their reward for finishing first in the inaugural Champions League table will be a last-16 tie against either PSG, Monaco, Brest or Benfica.

For other big clubs, though. The night was not quite so straightforward.

In many ways, Manchester City’s rapid demise has been the story of the season in European football. Pep Guardiola’s team knew anything but a win against Club Brugge on Wednesday would see them eliminated.

After going behind in the first-half, it had looked like further misery was coming for Pep and City. But although Liverpool supporters may have enjoyed that to a degree, the Premier League champions roaring back to qualify may end up being even better news.

Man City set to be handed difficult play-off

City supporters must have been fearing the worst when Raphael Onyedika put Brugge ahead just before half-time on Wednesday. It has been that kind of season for them.

But goals from Mateo Kovacic, a Joel Ordonez own-goal and a Savinho strike saw them home in the end.

However, it doesn’t get any easier for City. Having only made it through to the last-16 play-off, Guardiola’s team will play either Real Madrid on Bayern Munich in the next phase.

Clearly, those are tough, tough opponents for City. But City are also not exactly a team Bayern or Real will want to play either, no matter their form.

As a result, the potential of this tie appearing in the middle of February could end up being a double boost for Liverpool.

READ MORE: Joe Cole explains why Liverpool may now get a ‘terrible draw’ in the Champions League last-16

First, the obvious. This means two extra games for City in a title race which they are potentially not completely out of just yet.

As per Uefa.com, the second-leg of the play-off will be on either the 18th or 19th of February. That comes just days before Liverpool face Man City at the Etihad on February 23rd. With the Reds having the week off to prepare and City facing a difficult tie in midweek, it could tip the scales.

One of Liverpool’s challengers facing exit

Another reason why City’s progressions is ultimately a good thing is exactly because of who they could play next month.

Although they have been poor this season, Guardiola and his team should never be discounted from winning any trophy.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	LiverpoolLiverpool	22	16	5	1	54	21	33	53

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
4	Man CityManchester City	23	12	5	6	47	30	17	41

They still have the quality to beat anyone on their day and it would not be a shock to see them go deep in the Champions League this season.

But being drawn against Bayern or Madrid is never good news. The two behemoths will fancy their chances at lifting the European Cup this season as well, but at least one of them – or City – is going out.

In a season where Liverpool could well be favourites to win the whole thing, one of City, Bayern or Madrid dropping out while the Reds have their feet up at home is incredibly good news.