Atletico rematch offers Liverpool a better chance of winning the Champions League than Galatasaray - opinion
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Liverpool’s potential Champions League last-16 opponents were narrowed down to two on Wednesday after Galatasaray survived a scare against Juventus.The Turkish champions swept to a surprise 5-2 win in the first-leg last week, seemingly making their progress to the next round a virtual formality.However, Juve bit back in Turin, leading 3-0 after 90 minutes to take the game to extra time. For Liverpool, this means it will be either Atletico Madrid or Galatasaray in Friday’s last-16 draw.
Despite losing to the Turks earlier this season, many supporters may be keen on a reunion with Okan Buruk’s side instead of a clash with Atleti, whom they have a mixed recent history against.But while facing Galatasaray may be an ‘easier’ tie on paper, Liverpool’s route to the final in Budapest could open up much more if they draw Diego Simeone and co.Liverpool could avoid PSG and Real MadridIf Liverpool are to revisit Rams Park this March, they will do so knowing that they join Champions League holders PSG and record winners Real Madrid in their side of the draw.Barcelona may yet be thrown in there as well, with Liverpool or Galatasaray lined up to meet either PSG, Barca or Chelsea in the last-16. How far will Liverpool go in this year’s Champions League?
What is Liverpool’s record against Atletico like?Clearly, Atletico are the opponent with the greater pedigree here and will likely be the team who cause Liverpool the biggest problems across two legs.Reds supporters have also been scarred by Los Colchoneros twice in European competition in their recent history: being knocked out of the 2009/10 Europa League semi-final as well as the 2019/20 Champions League last-16.Nevertheless, Liverpool have won their last three against Simeone’s team. Overall, their record stands at four wins, two draws and three losses from nine match-ups.As for Galatasaray, the Reds have actually won just one of the five meetings between the teams, losing the last two.Known as one of the hottest atmospheres in all of Europe, perhaps Liverpool would actually be better off avoiding another trip to Istanbul this year.