“Best and worst case scenarios as Liverpool to discover Champions League opponents today”:
Liverpool to Learn Champions League Opponents Tonight – Best and Worst Draw Scenarios
Liverpool will find out the eight teams they’ll face in this season’s Champions League league phase when the draw is made on Thursday evening.
This marks the second year under the competition’s new format, where all 36 teams compete in a single league table. The top eight progress directly to the round of 16, while teams finishing 9th to 24th enter a play-off in February.
Last year, Liverpool topped the league stage but saw little reward, drawing Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16. After a penalty shootout loss at Anfield, PSG went on to lift the trophy, hammering Inter Milan 5-0 in the final.
How the Draw Works
Liverpool will be paired with two teams from each of the four pots – one home and one away – but can’t be drawn against more than two clubs from the same country and will avoid all English sides.
With that in mind, here’s a look at the best and worst possible outcomes for Arne Slot’s side in terms of both opponent strength and travel demands.
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Best-Case Scenario for Liverpool
Pot 1: Inter (Home), Dortmund (Away)
Inter, with a new and untested coach in Cristian Chivu, may still be reeling from their crushing defeat in last year’s final. Dortmund are consistent in Europe but not among the top contenders. Plus, their ground is a fan-favorite away trip.
Pot 2: Benfica (Home), Club Brugge (Away)
Benfica edged Fenerbahce in the play-offs and lack the firepower of past years. Brugge are beatable and the city offers a relatively easy trip for fans.
Pot 3: Slavia Prague (Home), Ajax (Away)
Slavia’s domestic dominance doesn’t quite translate to elite European competition. Ajax are in transition and present a favorable matchup, with the added bonus of a familiar destination for supporters.
Pot 4: Kairat Almaty (Home), Copenhagen (Away)
Kairat, the lowest-ranked team in the draw, would be ideal opposition at Anfield. A trip to Copenhagen is a manageable away fixture and far from the worst travel option.
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Worst-Case Scenario for Liverpool
Pot 1: Real Madrid (Home), PSG (Away)
Despite a win over Madrid last season, Liverpool fans have seen enough of them in recent years. PSG remain dangerous and eliminated the Reds last season en route to their Champions League triumph.
Pot 2: Atalanta (Home), Atletico Madrid (Away)
Atalanta have a perfect record at Anfield in recent visits. Atletico are frustrating to play against and have a habit of knocking Liverpool out – with a hostile stadium and strong squad to match.
Pot 3: Sporting Lisbon (Home), Napoli (Away)
Sporting are consistently tricky opponents with a strong track record against English sides. Napoli have beaten Liverpool multiple times in recent years, and their stadium atmosphere is always intimidating.
Pot 4: Galatasaray (Home), Kairat Almaty (Away)
Galatasaray may no longer be European giants, but they remain tough and boast top talent like Osimhen. And while Kairat are weak on the pitch, the 7,000 km journey to Kazakhstan and back would be a logistical nightmare—especially before a crucial domestic match.
