The Reds, who topped their group, are set to learn their potential opponents for the journey to the final at Munich’s Allianz Arena. They finished first in the group, winning seven of their eight matches, securing automatic qualification to the last 16.
The draw on Friday will reveal their possible opponents, and Liverpool fans are already contemplating the best and worst-case scenarios. One potential challenge could be facing either Paris Saint-Germain or Benfica in the round of 16. PSG is considered a strong contender, after a dominant 10-0 aggregate win over Brest in the play-offs, while Benfica edged past Monaco.
Liverpool will also learn which side of the bracket they’re on, shaping their potential opponents in the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final. If they progress past PSG or Benfica, they could face one of Lille, Aston Villa, Club Brugge, or Borussia Dortmund in the last eight. Villa, led by Unai Emery, recently held Liverpool to a draw in the Premier League, and Dortmund made it to last year’s final, making these teams formidable. Lille and Brugge, on the other hand, would seem like more favorable opponents, although Lille has shown strength, notably defeating Real Madrid.
In the semi-finals, the competition would intensify with the inclusion of teams like Bayer Leverkusen, Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, Arsenal, Feyenoord, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and PSV Eindhoven. Arsenal, who finished third, are also among the toughest contenders.
For Liverpool to make it to the final on May 31, they could encounter any of these teams, as well as Barcelona. Another draw will determine which team plays at home first in the quarter-finals and semi-finals.
Liverpool’s dream path to the final:
- Last 16: Benfica
- Quarter-finals: Club Brugge
- Semi-finals: Feyenoord
Liverpool’s nightmare path to the final:
- Last 16: Paris Saint-Germain
- Quarter-finals: Aston Villa
- Semi-finals: Real Madrid
