Liverpool have been handed a fixture boost as Manchester City were drawn against Real Madrid in the Champions League. The Reds will enjoy a free week from competitive action after topping the new-look league phase.

However, for their Premier League rivals, they will be forced to endure a two-legged showdown with the reigning champions in early February before they are due to meet again between February 18-19, days before they're due to host Liverpool.

Former Reds midfielder Thiago was the special guest for the draw in Nyon after an exciting final matchday in the elite European competition and handed the Reds a potential advantage ahead of their showdown with Pep Guardiola's side next month.

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City scraped into the next playoff round after overcoming Club Brugge on Wednesday, but with an ensured progression in the competition, they have secured a tie against Real Madrid. It will see the Etihad Stadium host the first-leg before facing off against Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe at the Bernabeu between the 18th and 19th, four days before they welcome Arne Slot's side.

Liverpool's defeat to PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday had no detrimental effect on their qualification hopes after a perfect run up until the final matchday, which meant they had secured a top two position before their trip to the Eredivisie side.

Barcelona could have leapfrogged the Reds into top spot, but they failed to overcome last season's Europa League winners, Atalanta, in a 2-2 draw.

Meanwhile, Liverpool will learn their fate for the Round of 16 next month, but they will face the winner of Monaco or Benfica or the all-Ligue 1 clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Brest. The Spanish giants will be drawn against the victor of one of those encounters.

But Liverpool could be forced to play during the week of their clash with City after their trip to Villa Park has been handed a new provisional date. Should the Reds progress to the Carabao Cup final, their encounter with Aston Villa has been rescheduled for February 19.