UCL: Osimhen to face Liverpool after admitting Anfield worry
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen will confront Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League knockout stages despite expressing a desire to avoid the formidable English club.
Victor Osimhen, a key player for the Super Eagles, is set to play against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League round of 16, which comes after he voiced his apprehensions about facing the Premier League team. Following Galatasaray's impressive 7-5 aggregate win over Juventus in the knockout stage qualifiers, Osimhen admitted that meeting Liverpool now felt like a daunting prospect, describing it as a potential chance for 'revenge.' He articulated his feelings, stating a preference to dodge a match-up with Liverpool, acknowledging the challenge they present. Nevertheless, he committed to facing the match head-on should it occur.
The draw for the last-16 stage of the Champions League confirmed Osimhen's concerns, pairing Galatasaray against Liverpool, the current leaders of the Premier League. The two teams have previously clashed this season, with Osimhen playing a pivotal role in a surprising 1-0 victory for Galatasaray in their earlier league meeting. This history adds an intriguing layer to the upcoming encounter, as both teams try to assess their strategies after facing each other this season.
Liverpool's manager, Arne Slot, also weighed in on the challenging nature of the draw, emphasizing the need for his squad to enhance their performance compared to their previous encounter in Istanbul. This upcoming match is anticipated to be a significant test for both clubs as they seek progression in the prestigious tournament, making it one of the key match-ups of the UEFA Champions League.