What Liverpool's tie against Galatasaray really means for their Champions League chances - opinion
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Liverpool were drawn against Turkish champions Galatasaray during Friday’s Champions League draw.The Reds knew they would face one of either Gala or Atletico Madrid in the last-16, and will now head to Istanbul for a second time this season.Although Liverpool lost 1-0 in the League Phase match in September, Arne Slot will be quietly confident of making it through to the quarter-finals. Mac Allister over Szoboszlai? 🤔 Credit: Julian Finney/Getty Images Liverpool should get past GalatasarayOne thing which is massively working against Liverpool during their last-16 tie is that they have never beaten Galatasaray away from home.The Reds have only recorded one win from five matches against Gala in any stadium, and they will need to add at least one more to that column in order to progress here.Photo by Hakan Akgun/Anadolu via Getty ImagesNevertheless, Liverpool should be feeling confident of progressing into the last eight.
In terms of the two available draws on Friday, this was the best-case outcome.READ MORE: Victor Osimhen keen to avoid Liverpool’s Galatasaray ‘revenge’ in Champions League last-16Liverpool face tough quarter-final prospectThe one caveat to Galatasaray being a favourable opponent for Liverpool is that it now means they have been placed on the harder side of the draw.If they make it to the quarter-finals, the Reds will probably face a rematch with champions PSG. Liverpool have a last minute penalty to win this year’s Champions League final… who’s your taker?
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Justin Setterfield/Liverpool FC Semi-finals to get even more difficultThings do not look much easier for Liverpool further down the line either. If Liverpool make it to the final they will truly have deserved it.On the flip side of the draw, Arsenal have a nice looking run towards the semi-finals, with Bayer Leverkusen, Sporting or Bodo/Glimt unlikely to cause Mikel Arteta’s side too many problems.The Reds could then meet the Gunners in the final, with Barcelona arguably the strongest-looking alternative.