Image Credits: Imago Images
It has been a tough week for Arne Slot, but tonight offers a chance for redemption. Liverpool boss Slot is still smarting from the 1-0 first-leg loss in Istanbul and the 1-1 Premier League draw with Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday.
Tonight, he can guide Liverpool to a Champions League quarter-final for the first time as a manager. The Reds haven’t reached this stage since 2022 and must overturn a one-goal deficit against the Turkish champions.
It promises either a passionate European comeback atmosphere at Anfield or a tense, nervy evening. Elsewhere, Liverpool midfielder Fuka Nagano set up Japan’s opening goal in a 4-1 win over South Korea in the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup semi-final in Sydney.
Nagano’s high press won possession, allowing Riko Ueki to score, with Maika Hamano, Saki Kumagai, and Remina Chiba adding further goals.
Kang Chae-rim scored for South Korea. Nagano played the full match, while Reds teammate Risa Shimizu came on late. Japan will face Australia, who defeated nine-time winners China 2-1 a day earlier in Perth, in the final on Saturday.
“I was very proud of them today,” Japan coach Nils Nielsen said on Channel 10. “They actually made this game look fairly easy and comfortable but it wasn’t, because South Korea is a great opponent. It’s exactly the same when it comes to Australia… that’s exactly why I am here, to play Australia.
“The Matildas really have an amazing team, they have adapted to whatever is coming their way. When they play in front of a crowd like this, Australia are big favourites for the final. We have played reasonably well, but we can be better.”
Japan defeated Australia in consecutive finals in 2014 and 2018, but neither team made the championship match in 2022, when China beat South Korea.
Since joining the Asian confederation, Australia has reached four finals but won only once, in 2010. Japan lost four finals before claiming their first title in 2014 and remains the only Asian team to win the Women’s World Cup, defeating the U.S. on penalties in 2011.
✨ 𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗦 ✨
Sublime 🇯🇵 Nadeshiko are looking like the real deal as only Matildas stand in their way of glory now!#WAC2026 pic.twitter.com/qT5C7MJwyQ
— #WAC2026 (@afcasiancup) March 18, 2026
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