Liverpool reached the Champions League final last season and have certainly gained a lot of respect across Europe. They’ve strengthened a lot in this summer transfer window, bringing in the likes of Naby Keita , Fabinho and Allisson. Liverpool now have a very solid midfield to accompany a star studded front 3.
Liverpool were quite lucky in the draw last season as they got an easy group despite being in pot 3. The giants from Merseyside had Sevilla, Spartak Moscow and Maribor in their group. They cannot be reliant on something similar happening this season.
With the qualifying stages for the Champions League now taking place, Liverpool fans have a particular match they would like to keep a keen eye on. Benfica are currently facing off against the Greek outfit PAOK. The first leg ended up 1-1 in Lisbon giving a good advantage to PAOK ahead of the second leg.
Benfica were pegged back after Pizzi’s penalty gave them a 1-0 lead on the stroke of half-time. The second leg will take place in Thessaloniki, PAOK’s home next Wednesday.
Liverpool fans will hope for a PAOK win, because if Benfica win, they’ll be placed in pot 2 ahead of Liverpool for the Champions League group stage draw on August 30.
Manchester United and Tottenham are already placed in pot 2 from England. Pot 2 also has Borrusia Dortmund, Napoli, Shakhtar Donetsk and Roma. A knockout for Benfica will allow Liverpool to avoid these good sides in the group stage.
The reds of course made it to the final despite being in pot 3 last season but they’ll definitely be watching the Benfica-PAOK match with a certain amount of personal interest.
