Liverpool draws favorable final sixteen matchup in UEFA Champions League

Liverpool’s last sixteen draw in UEFA Champions League will favor them.

Liverpool FC is in the Champions League final sixteen yet again in 2021, and their opponent will be Austria’s RB Salzburg after Monday’s controversial draw. So naturally, the Reds will be looking forward to the matchup as the team steered clear of Europe’s larger clubs for yet another round.  As a result, some may consider this a favorable matchup favored given the history of Jürgenn Klopp’s side defeating Salzburg twice in the group stages in the same tournament the past two years.

However, the Red Bulls are a quality opponent that has improved enough to advance to the next stage this season since last year.

Despite being heavily favored, Liverpool cannot underestimate RB Salzburg.

While the Reds are capable of taking on any club, one thing that they should be incapable of doing is underestimating opponents with offensive firepower. While the stats show that RB Salzburg is currently 16th in goals scored in UEFA Champions League play, they possess two more than capable forwards. Both Karim Adeyemi and Noah Okafor can stress even the staunchest defenses. Moreover, both have knocked home three goals apiece in UCL play in 2021. Liverpool’s defense must be in top form as they look to advance after last year’s exit in the same round.

Liverpool must be looking to rebound after their early exit in 2020’s round of 16.

The Reds must be looking to avenge last year’s early round of sixteen defeat to Atlético Madrid. Last year, the back lines played consistently sloppy, which cannot be the case if they want to advance this year. Overall, Liverpool should outperform RB Salzburg comfortably, similar to how they have in years past. Above all, the contest should be a golden opportunity to fine-tune multiple strategies while on their run to the final eight in UCL play.