Preview: Liverpool Hosts Qarabag in Champions League Clash

LIVERPOOL, England (Interstat) — Liverpool FC will look to assert its home dominance against Champions League newcomer Qarabag FK when the sides meet at Anfield on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026.

The Round of 16 first-leg match pairs one of Europe’s most storied clubs against a team enjoying a historic debut in the knockout stages. Liverpool, the home side, enters with momentum from a 3-0 away victory over Marseille in its previous group stage match on Jan. 21.

Manager Jürgen Klopp’s squad has been strong at home in continental play this season, with notable wins against Club Atlético de Madrid (3-2) and Real Madrid (1-0). However, a surprising 1-0 home loss to Galatasaray in September serves as a cautionary tale against underestimating opponents.

Qarabag, the first Azerbaijani club to reach this stage, arrives as a dangerous underdog. It secured its knockout berth with a dramatic 3-2 home win over Benfica in its final group match on Jan. 21. The visitors have shown a potent attack, scoring three or more goals in five of their last seven European matches across all qualifying rounds.

Their campaign has been defined by high-scoring affairs, including a 4-2 loss to Ajax and a 2-2 draw at Chelsea. Defensive consistency has been an issue, but their ability to find the net makes them a threat.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the match is projected to end in a 1-1 draw. This suggests a tightly contested encounter where Qarabag’s offensive resilience could test a Liverpool defense that has kept clean sheets in its last two Champions League outings.

For Liverpool, the objective will be to establish a commanding lead ahead of the return leg in Azerbaijan. For Qarabag, any positive result at Anfield would be a monumental achievement in its landmark season.

Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. local time.