NYON, Switzerland, 25 June 2005 — European champions Liverpool will open their title defense against Total Network Solutions (TNS) of Wales in the Champions League’s first qualifying round next month.
Yesterday’s draws at UEFA’s headquarters in Switzerland, which also included the second qualifying round, gave Liverpool a place against either HB Torshavn of the Faroe Islands or Lithuania’s FBK Kaunas if they beat TNS. The holders were given special clearance by European governing body UEFA to enter the competition after failing to secure a place through the Premier League, having finished just outside the top four.
Liverpool, who dramatically beat AC Milan on penalties in last month’s final in Istanbul after trailing 3-0 at halftime, will play the first leg at Anfield on July 12-13 and the away leg on July 19-20. Welsh title-winners TNS welcomed their money-spinning draw.
“This is magnificent news for the club and we’re really looking forward to playing Europe’s elite,” said TNS managing director Mike Harris.
TNS, who have previously played Manchester City in European competition, will have to switch their home leg from the Dreflan on safety grounds and could opt for Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground. Former Liverpool captain Phil Thompson was delighted with a draw which meant Liverpool had only a short trip to Wales rather than a journey to Kazakhstan or Azerbaijan.
He told Sky Sports: “They’ll be dancing on the streets in Merseyside.”
