Liverpool's dream and nightmare Champions League scenarios as path to final confirmed
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Liverpool IconLiverpool FC NewsFeaturesChampions LeagueFriday's draw saw Liverpool paired with Galatasaray in the last 16, but the Reds also know which clubs they could face in the subsequent knockout ties, if they progressThe best and worst-case scenarios for Liverpool in the Champions League knockout(Image: Getty Images)Liverpool's best and worst-case Champions League scenarios are now clear following Friday’s knockout draw.The Reds learnt they will face Galatasaray in the last 16, which will offer another trip to Istanbul for the six-time European champions. Beyond that, the possible opponents for the quarterfinals, semifinals and final have also become clear for Liverpool.Arne Slot’s side has certainly ended up in the tougher bracket in the draw, which includes the reigning world and European champions, plus the last 10 Champions League winners.
Friday’s draw therefore confirms none of those clubs can face each other in the final.READ MORE: Champions League draw in full as Liverpool and Arsenal discover last 16 rivalsREAD MORE: Trent Alexander-Arnold facing Liverpool return within two months as fate confirmedFor Liverpool, a possible route to the final that includes meetings with PSG and Real in the quarters and semis is certainly a daunting prospect.PSG eliminated the Reds at the last 16 stage last season, while Real ended Liverpool’s hopes of Champions League glory in each of the three previous campaigns, including in the 2022 final.Both opponents would offer Liverpool an opportunity for revenge, and Slot would certainly relish the chance to lock horns with PSG again. The Dutchman has regularly referenced his frustration at Liverpool’s elimination this season, and it remains his only previous knockout tie as Reds head coach.Liverpool was eliminated by PSG in last season's last-16(Image: DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images)In contrast to that nightmare scenario, possible fixtures against Chelsea and Atalanta would be the ideal, if unlikely, route for the Reds in this season’s Champions League.Liverpool and Chelsea met in several classic Champions League knockout matches in the Rafael Benitez era, but have not played each other in Europe since 2009.As for Atalanta, the Italians eliminated Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool from the Europa League two years ago and, oddly, all four previous meetings have seen the away sides win.As for the final itself, eight possible opponents await if Liverpool were to progress all the way to the Budapest showpiece.However, only two would give the Reds any real cause for concern.Arsenal is among them and has found itself on the kinder side of the bracket.
The Gunners face Bayer Leverkusen in the last-16 and possibly Bodo/Glimt or Sporting in the quarters.Barcelona is the other elite side in the other half of the draw. Hansi Flick’s side currently sits top of La Liga and made it to the Champions League semi-finals last season.Newcastle, Atletico Madrid and Tottenham are the other three clubs in the opposite side of the draw.Liverpool FCChampions League