UEFA may face Champions League draw chaos with Liverpool and Man City

UEFA could be facing a couple of days of chaos, involving Liverpool and Manchester City, if Friday’s Champions League draw works out in a certain way. The Premier League clubs are in the round of 16 draw, having automatically qualified from the group stage.

They will discover their opponents when the draw takes place on Friday, following the conclusion of the knockout play-off stage. Both clubs know that they will face one of three teams. That will reduce to two after Wednesday night’s second legs.

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For Liverpool it’s between Atletico Madrid, who booked their place with a 7-4 aggregate win on Tuesday night, and either Juventus or Galatasaray. The Turkish club currently lead 5-2 from the first leg.

For City, they will play either Bodo/Glimt, who overcame Inter 5-2 on aggregate, or either Real Madrid or Benfica. Real Madrid currently lead that tie 1-0 on aggregate.

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For both sides, the first leg will be played away from home. With Liverpool possibly being drawn against Atletico Madrid, and City having the possibility of facing Real Madrid, it means both sets of fans could be in the Spanish city at the same time.

If it is the case, and given the recent rivalry between both teams, it means that extra provisions may have to be put in place by UEFA and the local police force. Liverpool and City have been competing against each other for the Premier League title over the last few years, with City coming out on top more often than not. But Liverpool took advantage of Pep Guardiola’s side falling away last season to win their 20th league title.

Both will also be looking to add to their Champions League titles this season. Liverpool have won the tournament and its predecessor six times, while City lifted the trophy for the first time in 2022/23.

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The first leg of the round of 16 stage will take place on March 10 and 11. The second legs will then take place a week later on March 17 and 18.

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