Liverpool ended the UEFA Champions League league phase in first place, even though the Reds suffered a 3-2 defeat against PSV Eindhoven in their final match.
Arne Slot opted to rest key players, including Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, for the trip to the Netherlands. Despite the loss, Liverpool had already secured the top spot in the new league-phase format, ensuring a favorable position heading into the last 16.
The night, however, was still one for the history books. Trey Nyoni became Liverpool’s youngest-ever player to feature in European competition, coming on as a substitute at just 17 years and seven months. Meanwhile, Jayden Danns also made his European debut, marking another milestone for the club’s young talents. Their emergence highlights the exciting future that Liverpool’s academy continues to produce.
With the league phase now over, the Reds await their opponent for the last-16 draw. Former Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole has already warned that Paris Saint-Germain could pose a significant threat if drawn against the Merseyside club.
Speaking on TNT Sports, Joe Cole highlighted PSG’s strong form under Luis Enrique, with Bradley Barcola stepping up in attack following Kylian Mbappé’s absence. “They’re a young, dynamic team,” Cole said. “Barcola has been in outstanding form, and Enrique has them playing with confidence. If Liverpool draw PSG, it would be a tough matchup—but PSG won’t be thrilled about it either.”
With the Champions League draw set for Friday, Liverpool’s possible opponents are PSG, Monaco, Benfica, or Brest—teams that finished between 15th and 18th in the standings. While finishing first should provide an easier route to the quarter-finals, Slot’s side could still face a tricky challenge.
Liverpool are among the favorites to win the Champions League this season. If the Reds put in a strong performance in the last 16, they will boost their chances of lifting a seventh European title. With emerging talents like Nyoni and Danns stepping up, the future looks bright at Anfield.
