Liverpool's return to the Champions League could see them face Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, and a daunting trip to Bodo/Glimt, according to Express Sport's simulated draw. The Reds, placed in Pot 1, are aiming for a seventh European Cup after being eliminated by PSG in the quarter-finals in each of the last two seasons, with the French club winning the tournament both times.
First European campaign under Iraola
Andoni Iraola will manage in Europe for the first time as Liverpool begin their Champions League campaign. The simulated draw starts with a home match against Borussia Dortmund, a team Liverpool have not faced since an iconic 4-3 victory in the Europa League under Jurgen Klopp in 2016. Emre Can could return to Anfield, though the Dortmund captain is still recovering from an ACL injury.
Next, Liverpool travel to Roma, a club they beat in the 1984 final and defeated 7-6 on aggregate in the 2018 semi-finals. Roma finished third in Serie A last season and boast players such as Manu Kone, Donyell Malen, and Paulo Dybala.
Potential banana skins and tough tests
The simulation also includes a trip to Bodo/Glimt, who surprised last season by drawing with Tottenham, beating Manchester City at home, and defeating Atletico Madrid away and Inter Milan home and away. The artificial turf pitch above the Arctic Circle and low temperatures make this a challenging away fixture.
Atletico Madrid are drawn at home, a team Liverpool have beaten in each of their last three meetings since a 3-2 extra-time defeat six years ago. The simulation also features LASK, who pulled off an extraordinary comeback against Celtic in qualifying, and AEK Athens, a club Liverpool have not faced since 1972.
Final match against Barcelona
The predicted draw concludes with a trip to Barcelona, the toughest test, with the Spanish side featuring Rodri, Lamine Yamal, and Pedri. Liverpool have not played Barcelona since their 4-0 comeback win at Anfield in 2019. The simulation also includes a home match against Fenerbahce, who have signed Mason Greenwood, Nathan Ake, and Romelu Lukaku this summer.
Liverpool's predicted Champions League draw in full: Borussia Dortmund (H), Roma (A), Bodo/Glimt (A), Atletico Madrid (H), LASK (H), AEK Athens (A), Fenerbahce (H), Barcelona (A).
