Liverpool have discovered their route through the knockout stages of the Champions League, with a last-16 tie against Turkish giants Galatasaray confirmed. The draw sets up a compelling European narrative for Arne Slot's side as they seek to cap a turbulent campaign with continental success.
Securing the Knockout Berth
Liverpool secured direct passage to the round of 16 by finishing third in the league phase. Their record of six wins and two losses from eight matches was enough to claim that crucial spot, though the journey featured notable setbacks. A particularly humiliating 4-1 home defeat to PSV in November stands out as a low point during that phase.
The Galatasaray Challenge
The Reds will face a familiar foe in Galatasaray, having already lost to them in the league phase. That 1-0 defeat in Istanbul, decided by a Victor Osimhen first-half penalty, contributed to a concerning four-game losing streak in late September and early October. Galatasaray demonstrated their threat by dramatically knocking out Juventus 7-5 on aggregate, including a commanding 5-2 home victory in the first leg.
Potential Quarter-Final Opponents
Should Liverpool progress past Galatasaray, they will meet either Paris Saint-Germain or Chelsea in the quarter-finals. As third seeds, Liverpool are guaranteed the advantage of playing the second leg at home until the semi-finals, a significant tactical benefit in these high-stakes ties.
Semi-Final Possibilities
If Liverpool reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2022, they would face one of four elite teams: Real Madrid, Manchester City, Atalanta, or Bayern Munich. The seeding ensures Liverpool would be at home in the second leg of any semi-final, except if they were drawn against second seeds Bayern Munich.
Complete Champions League Bracket
The full knockout draw is as follows:
- Top Half: Paris Saint-Germain vs Chelsea, Galatasaray vs Liverpool, Real Madrid vs Manchester City, Atalanta vs Bayern Munich
- Bottom Half: Newcastle vs Barcelona, Atletico Madrid vs Tottenham, Bodo/Glimt vs Sporting CP, Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal
Key Match Dates
The Champions League knockout schedule is set:
- Round of 16: 10/11 & 17/18 March 2026
- Quarter-finals: 7/8 & 14/15 April 2026
- Semi-finals: 28/29 April & 5/6 May 2026
- Final: 30 May 2026 in Budapest
With a proper Premier League title challenge failing to materialise this season, Europe offers Liverpool a clear opportunity to salvage silverware. Their last Champions League triumph came in 2019, adding extra motivation as they embark on this knockout journey against Galatasaray and beyond.
