While the official draw for the next round of the Champions League is not until Friday, February 27, it is already known that Liverpool could face one of these three clubs: Atletico Madrid, Galatasaray, or Juventus. Below is a breakdown of each potential matchup.
Liverpool vs. Atletico Madrid
Looking at the numbers, this is probably the most favourable draw for the Reds. Liverpool have recent success over them with a 3-2 win in the Champions League opener this season. Andy Robertson, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk all scored that day. That victory made it three wins in a row for the Reds over the Spanish side after being knocked out as defending champions in 2020.
Atletico sit 4th on the table in La Liga and finished 13th in the League Phase of the Champions League, but they dominated Club Brugge 7-4 on aggregate to advance to the Round of 16. Star striker Alexander Sorloth is in top form this year with 15 goals.
But they have also given up 15 goals in eight games in the UCL. Meanwhile, Liverpool have given up just eight goals in six games while scoring 20. If the injury-riddled backline can contain Sorloth, Liverpool should advance to the Quarterfinals.
Liverpool vs. Galatasaray
Historically, this is the matchup the Reds don't want. They have only won once in five meetings with the Turkish side. This includes a tough 1-0 loss back on October 1st where the Reds had a goal taken away VAR, and the difference was a penalty by Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen has been a particularly dangerous customer in the Champions League with six of his 15 goals coming in the competition. Maruo Icardi makes up the second half of Galatasaray’s two-headed monster. He also has 15 goals, but only two in UCL play. Galatasaray showed how dangerous they can be at home with a 5-2 win over Italian giant Juventus.
Liverpool have never beaten Galatasaray in Turkey (two losses, one draw) so if they are the opponent, Liverpool might play for a draw in the first leg and then produce another night of European magic at Anfield to advance.
Liverpool vs. Juventus
This is the least likely matchup to happen. Juventus are already down 5-2 to Galatasaray going into the second leg of their tie. I don’t see them putting four past Galatasaray even on Italian soil. In fact, Opta Stats only gives Juventus a 6.4 percent chance of advancing
Should they advance, however, Liverpool would relish a chance to play Juventus. They are in bad form. Not only did the club lose to Galatasaray but also 2-0 to newly promoted Serie A side Como. They only have a +1 goal differential for the tournament and are struggling domestically in 5th place on the table.
They also have a hard time putting the ball in the back of the net as Kenan Yildiz is the leading scorer with just nine goals in all competitions. If Liverpool take on Juventus, they would be facing wounded giants.
LFC Globe Verdict
Purely based on matchups, I would love to see Liverpool play Atletico Madrid. I think Alexis Mac Alister and Dominik Szoboszlai can dominate the midfield and the Reds also have an advantage on the wings in Florian Wirtz and Salah.
Given how dangerous Alexander Sorloth is, Arne Slot should put Andy Robertson in at left back in place of Milos Kerkez just to provide stability and experience.
As for Galatasaray, I see the sides as more evenly matched. Liverpool will have to fight for a result. If this is the matchup, expect a lot of goals to be scored as there will be talented offensive players all over the pitch against defenses that have struggled at times this year.
Finally, Juventus probably won’t happen but if it does, it will be a matchup of momentum vs stability and I would give Liverpool the upper hand.
Have Your Say
Which matchup do you want to see? Do you prefer the Reds to have a stiff challenge vs. Galatasaray or an easier path (on paper) with Atletico or Juventus? It’s all up to the fate of the draw, so let us know your thoughts below.