Victor Osimhen will lead Galatasaray into a blockbuster UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash against Liverpool, despite previously admitting he hoped to avoid the Premier League leaders.

The Nigerian striker made his feelings clear after Galatasaray’s dramatic 7-5 aggregate win over Juventus in the knockout play-offs, describing a potential tie against Liverpool as “revenge” and acknowledging the difficulty of facing the English side at this stage.

However, the draw confirmed the heavyweight encounter, setting up one of the most anticipated fixtures of the Champions League Round of 16.

Galatasaray will take confidence from their earlier 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the league phase, with Osimhen scoring the decisive goal in Istanbul.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot admitted his side must improve on that performance, particularly in the away leg atmosphere in Turkey.

Both clubs now prepare for a high-intensity two-legged battle scheduled for March 10–11 and March 17–18.

Lookman, Tella Land Tough London Tests

Elsewhere, Ademola Lookman and Atletico Madrid have been drawn against Tottenham Hotspur in another headline tie.

Lookman’s impressive form in Spain could prove decisive against a Spurs side struggling domestically.

Meanwhile, Nathan Tella faces a stern challenge as his club Bayer Leverkusen take on Arsenal, widely regarded as one of Europe’s most consistent teams this season.

Other standout fixtures include Barcelona vs Newcastle United, Paris Saint-Germain vs Chelsea, Real Madrid vs Manchester City, Atalanta vs Bayern Munich, and Bodo/Glimt vs Sporting CP.

The Champions League final will be held at the Puskas Arena in Budapest on May 30.