Liverpool and Tottenham face defining Champions League knockout ties
Liverpool aim to avenge their earlier defeat to Galatasaray, while relegation-threatened Tottenham Hotspur visit Atletico Madrid as the Champions League last-16 gets under way on Tuesday.
The Merseyside club travel to Istanbul at 17:45 GMT hoping to demonstrate their recent domestic resurgence on the European stage.
They suffered a miserable league-phase defeat against the Turkish side in September, sparked by a Victor Osimhen penalty.
That disappointing result compounded early-season struggles which ultimately derailed their Premier League title defence.
However, Friday’s FA Cup victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers suggests the English heavyweights are finally rebuilding their momentum.
Reds boosted by returning stars
Goalkeeper Alisson remains sidelined for the crucial away leg, joining forward Hugo Ekitike on the treatment table.
Yet, the timely return of playmaker Florian Wirtz provides a significant creative boost for the visitors.
They will be desperate to avoid a repeat of Juventus’ fate, after the Italian giants crumbled to a 5-2 defeat at Rams Park in the play-off round.
Securing a positive result in Turkey is vital ahead of the decisive return leg at Anfield.
Tudor faces European dilemma
Later on Tuesday, Tottenham resume their continental campaign against Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid at 20:00 GMT.
The high-profile fixture presents a bizarre paradox for the North London side, who originally qualified by winning last season’s Europa League.
While former manager Thomas Frank comfortably navigated the group stage, his successor Igor Tudor is now battling a severe domestic crisis.
Spurs are currently engulfed in a fierce Premier League relegation fight and suffer from a severely depleted squad.
“The situation is not ideal.”
The Croatian head coach admitted his team are short on confidence following Thursday’s humbling home defeat by Crystal Palace.
This prestigious knockout tie may be viewed by many supporters as an unwelcome distraction from their primary goal of top-flight survival.
Newcastle prepare for historic night
Elsewhere, Newcastle United are preparing for what has been billed as the biggest game in the club’s modern history.
Eddie Howe’s men will look to make a lasting impact in Europe as the knockout stages intensify across the continent.
