Liverpool will learn their Champions League last-16 opponents on Friday, with either Atletico Madrid or Galatasaray set to come out of the hat.
The Reds have already played both clubs this season, beating Atletico 3-2 at Anfield and losing 1-0 against Galatasaray in Istanbul.
Despite the victory over Diego Simeone’s side in September, many Liverpool fans will be hoping to avoid Atleti once again. Memories of their punishing last-16 exit at Simeone’s hands in 2020 are still raw, and the Spanish team are arguably the better of the two possible opponents.
Who was the better Liverpool goalkeeper – prime Alisson or prime Pepe Reina?
There is an argument that meeting Atletico would give Liverpool an easier path to the final this year, but according to former Reds defender Steve Nicol, Arne Slot should not be thinking so far ahead.
Speaking to ESPN after Atleti comfortably progressed past Club Brugge on Tuesday, Nicol claimed that the Madrid side would be favourites to beat Liverpool as well.
Liverpool’s lack of depth to sting them in the Champions League
No matter who they have in the team, Atletico tend to pose a real threat to any of Europe’s big boys under Simeone.
And according to Nicol, the sight of Liverpool’s depleted bench during Sunday’s win over Nottingham Forest means they would have a superb chance of getting into the quarter-finals if they meet the Reds.
READ MORE: Victor Osimhen keen to avoid Liverpool’s Galatasaray ‘revenge’ in Champions League last-16
“I’m trying hard to find a way to be really positive and say that it’s Liverpool [who would be favourites],” he said.
“Liverpool in Europe have been way better than they have in the Premier League, [but] I’d have to go on the side of Atletico Madrid.
“Right now, Liverpool have got no bench. Atleti have got lots of choices, yes they’ve been up and down but overall it’s very difficult not to go with Atletico Madrid.”
CHANGE MY MIND: Rio Ngumoha needs to go out on loan next season ✈️
Where would be the ideal destination?
Frank Leboeuf disagrees with Nicol
As he often does, France World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf joined Nicol on ESPN, and the former Chelsea defender claimed that he disagreed with his take on the potential Liverpool vs Atletico clash.
“Liverpool have been better in the Champions League than Atletico Madrid, they proved it in every game they played,” he said.
“I want to believe they’re going to get the spirit that they have every time they play a Champions League game. And from what I saw again from Atletico today [Tuesday], it’s possible and doable for Liverpool to go through.”
Leboeuf is right, Liverpool have looked like a different team in Europe this season, and with Atletico’s form actually up and down, there is no reason for them to fear the Spaniards.
This could all be redundant, of course, and the Reds could wind up facing Galatasaray. But if it is Atleti, then Liverpool will back themselves even if Nicol does not.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
