Liverpool will play Benfica in the UEFA Youth League round of 16

Liverpool-Under 19s have been drawn against Portuguese side Benfica in the UEFA Youth League Round of 16. (h/t Liverpool)

The young Reds will play away from home in this one-off tie. Liverpool qualified as group winners after defeating Salzburg 3-2 on the final matchday. The Austrians lead 2-0 only for the Reds to mount a spirited comeback and win it in stoppage time.

If Liverpool do prevail over the Eagles, they will have to traverse another difficult away trip in the quarter-finals. The winners of this match will face off against the winners of Bayern Munich and Dynamo Zagreb in the last eight.

Under-19s boss Barry Lewtas was pleased with the draw and cut a positive outlook on the trip being played away.

“It will be a bit sunnier than the wind here in Kirkby so that might be a plus! But, to be fair, it’s a really good tie.”

Lewtas praised his team on successfully making it to the knockouts. Calling it an exciting tie, he also remarked of Liverpool’s familiarity with their opponents having played them numerous times before.

The likes of Curtis Jones, Neco Williams, and Harvey Elliott have all featured for Lewtas’s side. Their chances of playing this match, however, depends on how seriously Jurgen Klopp decides to take the FA Cup.

The young trio have impressed in the first team this season and have been regular fixtures in Cup competitions. Liverpool play Chelsea in the FA Cup fifth round that week and the trio may turn out for the senior side instead.

It will be a big loss for Lewtas as Jones is the top scorer for the Reds whereas Elliott is the top assist maker. (h/t UEFA)

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The Reds side will be hoping to go at least one further than last season. They suffered defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in the last 16, losing 4-3 on penalties. The tie will be played on 3/4 March.