Jürgen Klopp and Liverpool Set to Face Bayern Munich in Round of 16

As a second seed for the Champions League Round of 16 draw, for those hoping for a so-called easy draw the chances were slim. Easy, though, isn’t the point of the competition. Big opponents, big nights, and facing off against Europe’s top sides is the point.

Facing clubs like Bayern Munich is the point, which Liverpool will get to do for the first time since 2001’s UEFA Super Cup final, a game the Reds won 3-2. Of course, there’s more—and more recent—history than that when it comes to Jürgen Klopp and Bayern Munich.

Klopp spent his years at Borussia Dortmund trying to get the better of German’s one true giant, the dominant force in the Bundesliga. More often than perhaps he should have given the disparity in resources, he managed to do that. He will get another chance now.

And he will do it with the strongest squad he has ever had at his disposal. He and Liverpool will also be facing a Bayern that, as of mid-December at least, isn’t looking in top form—they sit nine back of league leaders Dortmund, though a lot can change in two months.

The first game of Liverpool’s Round of 16 tie, which Liverpool already know they will play without Virgil van Dijk, will take place on Tuesday the 19th of February, at Anfield. The second match be played at Bayern’s Allianz Arena on Wednesday the 13th of March.

The round’s other draws were Real Madrid vs. Ajax, Porto vs. Roma, Barcelona vs. Lyon, Dortmund vs. Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain vs. Manchester United, Juventus vs. Atletico, and Manchester City vs. Schalke.