Liverpool's Champions League fate is imminent as Trent Alexander-Arnold opens up on his hopes of winning the competition
Liverpool's Champions League pathway is about to reveal itself with some mouth-watering ties lying in wait. The Reds finished third in the league phase, securing their passage to the knock-out rounds.
The Reds will now face either a reunion with Atletico Madrid or Galatasaray in the last-16. Both sides are capable of inflicting damage on Arne Slot's side as demonstrated this season alone.
Liverpool famously beat Atletico 3-2 at Anfield in November with the Spanish giant's manager, Diego Simeone, sent off. Liverpool were also beaten by Galatasaray away from home in September.
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Each game offers Liverpool a route that could see them meet Real Madrid, and former player Trent Alexander-Arnold, in the latter rounds. Mirror Football takes a look at Alexander-Arnold's feelings on returning to the Reds while Simeone has also shared his thoughts on playing Liverpool.
Trent Alexander-Arnold's feelings clear
Speaking after Real Madrid dispatched Benfica to claim their place in the last-16, Alexander-Arnold made his feelings clear that he and his team are ready for any challenge that comes their way.
Alexander-Arnold has already returned to Liverpool once this season, with Slot's side beating Los Blancos 1-0 in November. The ex-Reds full-back started the game on the bench but was met with a chorus of boos as he made his way to the pitch late in the second half.
Liverpool and Madrid could now meet each other again, in the semi-finals or final, depending on who the Reds draw in the last-16. The England defender isn't fearful of meeting his old side, however, declaring there is no reason why Madrid shouldn't go on to claim their 16th European Cup.
"It wasn't about sending a message to anyone, it was about winning the game and letting our football do the talking," Alexander-Arnold said.
"At the start of every season, our aim is to win this competition. We know the importance of it, for the club and for the fans and we know what it means with the club being the most successful in this competition.
"There's an expectation and demand. There's no reason why we can't go on and win it. We're more than ready to face whatever challenges come next."
Reunion on the cards
Whoever Liverpool draw, be it Atletico or Galatasaray, a reunion is on the cards with either Atletico or Galatasaray. Goals from Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and a late winner from Virgil van Dijk ensured the Reds beat Atletico 3-2 in a heated affair at Anfield in September.
It was a game memorable for a stunning meltdown from Atletico boss Simeone that saw him receive a red card. After beating Club Brugge to cement Atletico's place in the last-16, Simeone even claimed he is “not thinking about Liverpool”.
Liverpool have played Atletico nine times since 2008. The Reds have won four of those ties, drawn two and lost three. Simeone's side have eliminated Liverpool on the two occasions the clubs have met in European knock-out competition: back in 2020 in the Champions League and in the 2010 Europa League semi-finals.
Liverpool have faced Galatasaray on five occasions in European competition. The Reds have won just one of those encounters, losing two and drawing two.
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Just as with Atletico, the Reds have already played Galatasaray this season, losing a frustrating contest at the Ali Sami Yen in September by a single goal - a penalty slotted by Victor Osimhen.
You would have to go back to 2006 to find Liverpool's last win over the Turkish side. That was a 3-2 win at the Ataturk Stadium with Liverpool then reigning European Champions under Rafael Benitez.