Liverpool in line for Tirana or Sofia

Champions League winners Liverpool were handed a potential two-legged tie against Tirana or CSKA Sofia in the draw for the third qualifying round of the Champions League today.

As long as they can protect their 3-1 first leg lead against Kaunas at Anfield next week, Rafael Benitez’s men will host either Tirana, from Albania, or CSKA, from Bulgaria.

Arguably the tie of the round will be between UEFA Cup beaten finalists Sporting Lisbon and Udinese, who surprised everyone to finish fourth in Serie A last season.

Everton, who themselves came fourth in the Premiership last season, will be up against Primera Liga Villarreal, with the first leg to be played at Goodison Park.

Both clubs are competing in the Champions League for the first time.