Why aren't Liverpool in Champions League draw? UEFA rules explained and potential opponents
Liverpool had a sensational campaign in the Champions League league phase, finishing top of the standings. Arne Slot’s side only lost one game while winning their last seven.
But supporters will now have to wait until March to see their team in European action again. Liverpool have so far been joined by Barcelona, Arsenal, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Lille and Aston Villa in the round-of-16.
Three English teams qualified automatically for the next round, while Manchester City finished outside of the top eight. Pep Guardiola’s side only won three of their eight games in the competition. As a draw is set to take place on Friday, the ECHO explains why the Reds won't be part of this morning's draw.
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When is the Champions League play-off draw?
The play-off draw will take place on Friday, January 31. It will be held at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland and will be streamed live via the UEFA’s channels.
Only teams who finished between ninth and 24th place will be included in the draw, and will play a two-legged play-off.
Seeded teams: Atalanta, Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, AC Milan, PSV, PSG, Benfica.
Unseeded teams: Monaco, Brest, Feyenoord, Juventus, Celtic, Manchester City, Sporting Lisbon, Club Brugge.
The seeded clubs will play the return leg of their draw at home. Those games are expected to take place on February 11/12 and February 18/19.
When will the last-16 games be played?
Liverpool along with teams who finished in the top eight will next be in action for their round-of-16 ties on March 4/5 and the second legs will be played on March 11/12.
Who can Liverpool face?
The Reds will face one of Monaco, Brest, Paris Saint-Germain or Benfica.
Arsenal meanwhile, will take on one of Feyenoord, Juventus, AC Milan or PSV Eindhoven. Aston Villa, who sealed the last spot in eighth, can play either Atalanta, Borussia Dortmund, Sporting Clube de Portugal or Club Brugge in the last-16.
After finishing 22nd and outside of the automatic places, Manchester City will either face Real Madrid or Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich in the play-offs.
