Liverpool draw Real Madrid, Leverkusen in new Champions League

Liverpool have been drawn to host holders Actual Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen, managed by former Anfield hero Xabi Alonso, within the UEFA Champions League’s new league part format as they search their seventh European Cup underneath new supervisor Arne Slot.

UEFA staged a draw ceremony in Monaco on Thursday for its revamped Champions League group part that now sees an expanded 36 groups put right into a single league desk. Every staff will play eight video games earlier than the knockouts — two greater than earlier years — with the ultimate spherical of matches happening on Jan. 29.

Every staff was drawn in opposition to eight totally different opponents — 4 matches at house, and 4 away — two from every of the 4 seeded pots.

The spotlight for Liverpool will undoubtedly be the go to of Madrid in addition to a reunion with Alonso, who was reportedly a candidate to interchange Jurgen Klopp earlier than deciding to remain at Leverkusen.

Madrid defeated Liverpool in each the 2021-22 and 2017-18 Champions League finals.

In Thursday’s draw, Liverpool had been additionally picked to face RB Leipzig (away), AC Milan (away), Lille (house), PSV Eindhoven (away). Bologna (house) and Girona (away).

The highest eight groups will progress on to the spherical of 16. Groups ending between ninth and twenty fourth place will advance to a knockout play-off stage, whereas the underside 12 groups shall be eradicated.

Liverpool final received the competitors in 2019, beating Tottenham within the closing.

It is going to be the membership’s first European bid underneath Slot, who has received each of his opening video games in cost.