2025–26 Champions League Draw: Liverpool’s Potential League Phase Opponents

Liverpool are highly motivated to achieve greater success in Arne Slot's second season as manager, with a strong emphasis on advancing further in the Champions League after last season's early exit.

In the previous season, Liverpool were the top-performing team in the inaugural UEFA Champions League league phase but were eliminated in the round of 16 by Paris Saint-Germain via a penalty shootout, which was particularly disappointing as PSG went on to win the tournament.

As the reigning Premier League champions, Liverpool have significantly strengthened their squad with substantial summer spending, making them a formidable force and positioning them for a vengeful return to European competition.

Liverpool have not progressed beyond the Champions League quarterfinals since reaching the final in the 2021-22 season, and this year, they aim to break that pattern and emulate a deep run, ideally culminating in a victorious ending.

The draw for the Champions League league phase is set for Thursday, with Liverpool placed in Pot 1 among the favorites, determined by their European performance over the past five seasons. They will play eight matches in this phase, facing two teams from each of the four pots, with one home and one away game per opponent.

UEFA rules prohibit matches between teams from the same association in the opening round, so Liverpool will avoid facing fellow English clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Newcastle United during this stage.