Liverpool and Man City could face Champions League chaos ahead of last 16 draw

Liverpool and Manchester City will both discover their Champions League round of 16 opponents on Friday, but UEFA could be in for headaches

Liverpool will face one of three teams in the Champions League round of 16(Image: Getty)

UEFA could be bracing for several days of disruption, involving Liverpool and Manchester City, depending on how Friday's Champions League draw unfolds. The Premier League sides are in the last 16 draw, having progressed automatically from the group phase.

They will learn their opponents when the draw takes place on Friday, after the knockout play-off stage concludes. Both clubs are aware they will face one of three teams.

That will narrow to two following Wednesday night's second legs. For Liverpool it's between Atletico Madrid, who secured their place with a 7-4 aggregate victory on Tuesday night, and either Juventus or Galatasaray. The Turkish side currently hold a 5-2 advantage from the first leg.

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

For both teams, the first leg will take place away from home. With Liverpool potentially being drawn against Atletico Madrid, and City having the prospect of facing Real Madrid, it means both sets of supporters could be in the Spanish capital simultaneously.

The Champions League draw takes place on Friday(Image: Getty)

If this proves to be the case, and considering the recent rivalry between both clubs, it suggests that additional security measures may need to be implemented by UEFA and the local constabulary.

Liverpool and City have been vying for the Premier League crown in recent years, with City emerging victorious on most occasions.

However, Liverpool capitalized on Pep Guardiola's side's decline last season to secure their 20th league championship.

Both clubs will also be seeking to add to their European Cup honours this season. Liverpool have claimed the competition and its forerunner six times, whilst City lifted the trophy for the first time in 2022/23.

The first leg of the round of 16 stage is scheduled for March 10 and 11. The return legs will then follow a week later on March 17 and 18.

Liverpool and City have already faced off twice this season with Guardiola's side securing a dramatic victory at Anfield just a couple of weeks ago.