Liverpool achieves its dream Champions League draw scenario
Liverpool is aware of their potential opponents in the last 16 of the Champions League when the following week’s ‘dream’ draw is made.
Following the final round of Champions League games, Liverpool might be counting their blessings following a dramatic comeback in Group H, including Benfica and Paris Saint-Germain. Liverpool’s options for opponents in the following round are limited because Chelsea, Tottenham, and Manchester City won their respective groups.
According to UEFA regulations, teams from the same domestic league are barred from playing one another in the first round of the Champions League. With Liverpool failing to draw Napoli, Jurgen Klopp’s team is left with only four prospective opponents.
Dream UCL draw for Liverpool FC as it happened.
Two spots were filled by Porto and Bayern Munich because of Tuesday night’s results. But further spots needed to be decided on Wednesday. The replay of last year’s Champions League final would likely be the matchup that draws the most attention. This is especially after Real Madrid defeated Celtic at home earlier in the day to win their group.
Group H was the only other group to decide on the winner. Benfica and PSG had equal points going into their respective matches against Maccabi Haifa and Juventus. Given that PSG had a better goal difference than Juventus, Benfica had a difficult task in making it happen.
To defeat Maccabi Haifa, the Portuguese team needed to win by a score of five goals or more. Even though it appeared unlikely as the second half began. However, Benfica quickly began scoring frequently. And Henrique Araujo brought them within one goal of first place.
Benfica then extended their lead to 6-1 in stoppage time thanks to a fizzing drive from outside the area from Joao Mario, moving them ahead of PSG. This means that Benfica, not PSG, will be in Liverpool’s pot in the Champions League last-16 draw that will take place the following week.
Along with Benfica, Liverpool may face Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Porto in the round of 16.
