Europe could give Reds lift they need

THE Champions League returns this week with a number of intriguing round of 16 ties set to get under way.

Liverpool, who won the competition back in 2019, are in action along with last season’s runners-up Paris St Germain.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at some of the talking points before the first legs begin. Chance for Liverpool to

channel focus?

Jurgen Klopp conceded defeat in the Reds’ Premier League title defence on Saturday and the Champions League is their only other chance of silverware. The draw was not kind, pitting them against RB Leipzig, but the tournament represents a chance for the 2019 winners to regain a purpose. If they can produce a strong display in Budapest - German Government coronavirus regulations forbid Klopp’s side travelling to the country - it could provide the lift they need.

Another opportunity for Nagelsmann to catch the eye RB Leipzig and their highly-rated manager Julian Nagelsmann will view this week’s first-leg tie as another chance to make a mark. After they reached the last four of the Champions League last August, the once-dubbed ‘Baby Mourinho’ will be out to show it was no flash in the pan. The 33-year-old has suitors and more success, after they essentially knocked out Manchester United in December, will do his growing CV no harm.

Neymar-less PSG visit Barca When the round of 16 draw put Paris St Germain and Barcelona together, one of the many interesting backdrops was Neymar returning to his old club. A groin injury will rule him out of the first meeting and most likely the second too in an obvious blow to new boss Mauricio Pochettino.

Ronaldo vs Pepe Former Real Madrid team-mates and current international colleagues Pepe and Cristiano Ronaldo will do battle at the Estadio do Dragao tomorrow as Juventus visit Porto. Together the pair won the competition on multiple occasions during their time at the Bernabeu and Juventus striker Ronaldo will be desperate to add a sixth European crown.

Sevilla out to improve Champions League record While Sevilla are Europa League specialists, the elite European competition has proved more tricky for them. Only once in the last six decades have they made it to the quarter-finals but they have a great opportunity this year. In superb form over the last two months and up against an inconsistent Borussia Dortmund side, Julen Lopetegui will aim to continue rebuilding his career after a tough spell at Real Madrid.