Liverpool Tops League Phase Despite Loss, Eyes Knockout Stage Opponents

LIVERPOOL, England — Liverpool secured the top spot in their league phase despite a 3-2 defeat to PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday night, setting the stage for their knockout round opponents. The loss, which marked their first of the campaign, came with a heavily rotated and inexperienced squad but had no impact on their standings.

With Atalanta held to a 2-2 draw in their match, Liverpool finished atop the table, ensuring their progression to the last 16. The Reds will now face one of four teams: Paris Saint-Germain, Benfica, Monaco, or Brest. The second leg of their tie will be held at Anfield, providing a potential home advantage.

The draw for the last 16, as well as the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final, is scheduled for February 21. Meanwhile, the knockout playoffs, featuring teams finishing ninth to 24th, will determine the remaining eight spots in the last 16. These playoffs are set for February 11/12 and 18/19, explaining the delay in the knockout draw.

Seven other teams have already secured their places in the last 16: Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Lille, and others. The playoff contenders include Atalanta, Dortmund, Bayern Munich, PSV Eindhoven, PSG, Benfica, Monaco, Brest, Feyenoord, Juventus, Celtic, Sporting CP, and Club Brugge. Teams like Salzburg, Girona, and RB Leipzig have already been eliminated.

Liverpool’s focus now shifts to preparing for their knockout stage opponents, with the rest of the tournament dates already set. The Reds will aim to capitalize on their strong league phase performance as they chase European glory.