Liverpool’s Champions League journey for the 2025/26 season has officially begun. The draw held on Thursday paired the Premier League champions with a fascinating mix of European heavyweights, rising forces, and tricky challengers. For Arne Slot, who is preparing for his first full continental campaign in charge, the group of opponents offers both nostalgia and fresh challenges.
The Reds will face Real Madrid, Internazionale, Atletico Madrid, Eintracht Frankfurt, PSV Eindhoven, Marseille, Qarabag, and Galatasaray in the league-phase format — a revamped structure replacing the traditional group stage.
This means Liverpool will play eight fixtures: hosting four at Anfield (Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, PSV, Qarabag) and travelling away to four (Inter, Frankfurt, Marseille, Galatasaray).
It’s a mouthwatering schedule, one that promises drama, glamour, and plenty of memorable European nights. Let’s dive deeper into what this draw means for Liverpool.
The New League-Phase Format
This season’s Champions League marks a significant change. UEFA has scrapped the traditional four-team group stage and instead introduced a single 36-team league table. Each club plays eight matches against different opponents — four at home, four away.
- Top 8 finishers qualify directly for the Round of 16.
- 9th–24th place enter a knockout play-off, where winners progress to the last 16.
- 25th–36th place exit Europe entirely.
For Liverpool, the aim is clear: finish in the top eight and avoid the play-off complications. But looking at their opponents, the path is far from straightforward.
Anfield Awaits: The Home Clashes
1. Real Madrid – The Old Rivalry Renewed
No fixture in modern European football stirs up as many emotions for Liverpool fans as Real Madrid. From the heartbreak of Kyiv (2018) and Paris (2022) to the relentless duels with Benzema, Vinícius, and Modrić, Madrid has been Liverpool’s kryptonite.
This season, however, feels different. With Jurgen Klopp gone and Arne Slot steering a fresh tactical identity, Liverpool have a chance to write a new chapter. Anfield under the lights against Madrid is always magical. The Kop will demand revenge, and Madrid will know this isn’t the same Reds side they’ve beaten in recent years.
2. Atletico Madrid – Simeone vs Slot
If Real Madrid bring glamour, Atletico Madrid bring grit. Diego Simeone’s teams are never easy opponents, and Liverpool have been burned before — most notably in the 2020 knockout stage when Atletico stunned Klopp’s men at Anfield.
Slot’s task will be to break down one of Europe’s most stubborn defenses while avoiding the classic Atletico counterpunch. Expect a tactical chess match filled with intensity, time-wasting, and, inevitably, drama.
3. PSV Eindhoven – Dutch Connections
Slot will relish this one. As a Dutch coach, a clash with PSV Eindhoven is more than just another European tie — it’s personal. Liverpool have history with PSV, most recently in the 2006/07 Champions League campaign.
PSV are known for their attacking youth and fearless football. Anfield’s atmosphere might overwhelm them, but underestimate them at your peril. This could be a showcase of attacking football from both sides.
4. Qarabag – The Dark Horses
On paper, Qarabag look like the weakest of Liverpool’s eight opponents. But Champions League history warns against complacency. Qarabag, from Azerbaijan, have built a reputation for upsetting bigger names, especially at home in Baku.
Luckily for Liverpool, this one is at Anfield, which should reduce the risk. Still, these are the kind of matches where rotating the squad while still getting the job done becomes crucial.
The Away Days: European Adventures
1. Internazionale – Memories of 2008 and 2022
Trips to the San Siro always stir nostalgia. Liverpool knocked out Inter Milan in the 2007/08 and 2021/22 Champions League campaigns. Both legs showed Liverpool’s ability to grind against Italian giants.
Inter, Serie A champions just two seasons ago, will be a stern test. Their home support is electric, and tactically they combine defensive solidity with rapid attacking transitions. This will be one of Liverpool’s toughest away assignments.
2. Eintracht Frankfurt – German Steel
Facing Eintracht Frankfurt is no small task. Known for their passionate fans and intimidating Deutsche Bank Park atmosphere, Frankfurt thrive in European competition. They lifted the Europa League in 2022 and continue to build momentum as a club not to be underestimated.
Slot’s system will be tested against their physical style, and away points in Germany are never easy. Still, Liverpool’s Bundesliga record in recent years has been encouraging.
3. Marseille – The Velodrome Cauldron
Few stadiums in Europe match the intensity of the Stade Vélodrome. Marseille’s ultras create a fearsome atmosphere that has unsettled many visiting teams.
Liverpool have fond memories here too — from Steven Gerrard’s heroics in 2008 to dominant wins in group stages past. But under new management, Marseille will see this as their chance to upset one of Europe’s elite. Slot will need his team composed and ruthless.
4. Galatasaray – Welcome to Hell
The words “Welcome to Hell” still echo when talking about Galatasaray away. The Turkish giants’ atmosphere is legendary, often described as one of the most intimidating in world football.
For Liverpool, this will be a test of mentality as much as tactics. Surviving Galatasaray’s pressing, avoiding the intimidation, and keeping composure will be key. Win here, and the Reds will send a powerful message to Europe.
Tactical Implications for Arne Slot
This draw provides Arne Slot with an early European litmus test. His Liverpool has already shown signs of blending intensity with structured possession play. But how will they adapt against such varied opposition?
- Against Madrid & Atletico – patience, transitions, and composure are vital.
- Against PSV & Frankfurt – energy and pressing will be key.
- Against Marseille & Galatasaray – surviving hostile atmospheres is the challenge.
- Against Qarabag – squad rotation without dropping points.
Slot will likely rely heavily on players like Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and captain Virgil van Dijk to lead by example in high-pressure games.
Liverpool’s European Ambition
For Liverpool fans, the Champions League is more than a competition — it’s part of the club’s DNA. From Paris in 1981 to Istanbul in 2005, the Reds’ European nights are legendary.
This season’s draw feels like a proper Champions League campaign — full of glamour, revenge stories, and dangerous away trips. To finish in the top eight of the league phase, Liverpool must average around 15–16 points (roughly five wins out of eight). With their squad depth, this is achievable, but consistency is crucial.
The Fan Perspective
Liverpool supporters are buzzing about the draw. Social media exploded with reactions, from excitement about hosting Real Madrid again to dread at the thought of visiting Galatasaray’s cauldron.
For traveling fans, trips to Milan, Frankfurt, Marseille, and Istanbul represent some of the most iconic footballing cities in Europe. For those at Anfield, the thought of Madrid and Atletico in the same season guarantees unforgettable nights under the lights.
Conclusion: A Season of Promise and Challenge
Liverpool’s Champions League draw has handed them glamour, grit, and potential banana skins. Facing Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid at Anfield is the stuff of European theatre. Trips to Inter, Marseille, and Galatasaray will test every ounce of Slot’s men’s character.
Yet this is exactly why Liverpool belong at this level. The Reds have the quality, depth, and mentality to not just navigate this league phase, but to set themselves up as contenders for the trophy.
For Arne Slot, it’s the perfect stage to show that Liverpool remain a European powerhouse. For the fans, it’s a season to buckle up and enjoy — because the ride promises to be unforgettable.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com