Liverpool fans have been left reflecting on a fairly positive Europa League group this afternoon – which also contains Russian side Rubin Kazan, French giants Bordeaux and Swiss outsiders FC Sion.
The Reds have an unblemished record against these three teams, having won all four of our previous meetings – two against Bordeaux and two against Sion. We have never played Kazan before and they will represent a new challenge.
SEE MORE:
Five things we want to see from Liverpool before the transfer window closes
Editor’s column: Why loaning Lazar Markovic out is stupid and damaging
Brendan Rodgers’ press-conference: Markovic future, deadline day, West Ham & more
Many members of the Anfield faithful were understandably relieved to avoid Borussia Dortmund, who will be among the favourites to win the competition, as well as the likes of Napoli and Basel – who knocked us out of last season’s Champions League.
Indeed, our Premier League rivals Tottenham arguably have a tougher draw, despite going into the competition as top seeds. They face Belgian side Anderlecht and French title chasers Monaco – who beat Arsenal in the Champions League last year. Azerbaijani team Qarabag are the fourth team in their group.
Celtic, who like us were in pot two, drew Ajax, Fenerbahce and Molde.
Here’s what the Liverpool fans made of the draw:
Groups A and J are the toughest groups of #EuropaLeague draw. We got a pretty good group. #LFC
— William Sinsky (@WSinsky) August 28, 2015
Very tricky draw. Been put in the group of death. Will do well to get 2nd #LFC #EuropaLeague
— Rajan. (@RajanSB1995) August 28, 2015
We’ve gotta keep Ilori n Lazar of we’re to take Europa league seriously. Can’t be stupid enough to play first team or academy players. #LFC
— Shaan (@FirmiFatale) August 28, 2015
Decent Europa league draw for #LFC
— Damien Rowe (@Damienrowe77) August 28, 2015
Its only a 42 hour drive #EuropaLeague for #Liverpoolfc #LFC piece of piss, bagsy the front seat pic.twitter.com/9iQAVWlgEQ
— James Coyle Harrison (@coyleyharrison) August 28, 2015
Not a bad draw for Liverpool despite going to Russia! Spurs won’t get out of there group though 😂 #EuropaLeague #LFC
— Karl Jordan (@Karl_Jordan23) August 28, 2015
Fairly kind draws. Rubin Kazan away the toughest game, but they’re only in it because Dinamo Moscow got banned due to FFP failure. #LFC
— Charlie (@CharlieMalam) August 28, 2015
Could do without a trip to Russia but Reds should get out of the group. Bring it on
— Jeff Goulding (@ShanklysBoys1) August 28, 2015
Liverpool 6 FC Sion 3, Cup Winners Cup, 1996. John Barnes scored a backheel and I can still hear the cowbells.
— Mark Jones (@Mark_Jones86) August 28, 2015
Should win that group handy. Have a strong enough squad to leave stars like Coutinho, Benteke and Lovren at home against Kazan. #LFC
— Dave O’Connell (@DaveOCKOP) August 28, 2015
Good group for those interested in Vodka, Wine and Chocolate #LFC Got to be getting 12 points minimum from that
— Ryan Ewings (@Ryan_Ewings) August 28, 2015
I am so chuffed with #LFC Europa League group
— jay (@jayzema) August 28, 2015