Rodrygo sends fresh Real Madrid message as Liverpool watch on

Liverpool will once again clash with Real Madrid in the Champions League. The Reds learned their eight adversaries for the opening phase of the tournament during UEFA's draw ceremony in Monaco on Thursday evening.

Liverpool will host Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, PSV Eindhoven and Qarabag whilst travelling to face Inter Milan, Eintracht Frankfurt, Marseille and Galatasaray. Fixture dates and kick-off times will be announced on Saturday.

Following the draw, Rodrygo posted on X with his reaction. He posted: "A por la 16!", which roughly means 'Let's go for the 16th' regarding Real's pursuit of a 16th Champions League/European Cup triumph.

Rodrygo has been connected with a potential switch to Anfield this summer after a frustrating conclusion to last campaign at the Santiago Bernabeu. Despite featuring in 50 fixtures across all tournaments, beginning 38 of those, his position was modified due to the marquee acquisitions of Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe, prompting tactical adjustments by then-boss Carlo Ancelotti.

Rodrygo has subsequently struggled to secure playing time under new Real manager and former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, especially during the recent Club World Cup, where he was substituted in half of their encounters.

The Guardian recently reported that Liverpool, alongside rivals Arsenal and Manchester City, are monitoring his circumstances closely. Liverpool's attacking line-up has seen a significant shake-up with Luis Diaz making a move to Bayern Munich and Hugo Ekitike joining from Frankfurt this summer.

In addition to Rodrygo, Alexander Isak continues to be linked with a move to Anfield after a £110million bid was turned down earlier this month. The Newcastle United striker has since been left out of the Magpies' two Premier League fixtures so far this season as he looks to join Arne Slot's side before Monday's 7pm transfer deadline.