Champions League: Liverpool Round of 16 Opponents Become Clearer After First-Leg Play-Offs

Liverpool's path in the Champions League round of 16 is taking shape following dramatic first-leg results in the knockout play-offs. Having finished third in the league phase, the Reds bypassed this stage and will face one of four teams: the winners of Galatasaray vs. Juventus or Atletico Madrid vs. Club Brugge[1][2][5][6].

On Tuesday, Galatasaray delivered a stunning 5-2 victory over Juventus in Istanbul, putting them firmly on course for the last 16. Gabriel Sara scored first, but Teun Koopmeiners' brace gave Juventus a half-time lead. Noa Lang equalized post-interval, followed by Davinson Sanchez's turnaround goal. Juan Cabal's red card shifted momentum, allowing Lang and Sacha Boey to seal the emphatic win[1][3][5]. This result raises the prospect of Liverpool returning to Istanbul for revenge after Galatasaray's 1-0 league-phase triumph via Victor Osimhen's penalty[1][6].

In the other key tie, Club Brugge fought back for a thrilling 3-3 draw against Atletico Madrid, thanks to an 89th-minute equalizer. The second leg is in Spain on February 24[5]. Liverpool previously edged Atletico 3-2 at Anfield in September, with Virgil van Dijk's late winner proving decisive[5][6]. Club Brugge represent a potentially kinder draw, evoking memories of the 1978 European Cup final[6].

The round of 16 draw occurs on February 27, with first legs on March 10/11 (away for Liverpool as unseeded side) and returns on March 17/18 at Anfield[1][5][6]. Arne Slot's squad, last in action next month, eyes a favorable matchup amid these plot twists. Fans await confirmation of a rematch with familiar foes[1][8].

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