Liverpool face a short trip to Wales to begin their defence of the European Cup after being drawn against Total Network Solutions in the first qualifying round.
It means the Reds’ season starts in just over a fortnight as the first leg is scheduled for July 12 or 13 at home, with the return played July 19 or 20.
Should Liverpool, as would be expected, overcome TNS they will face the winners of HB Torshavn of the Faroe Islands and FBK Kaunas of Lithuania in the second qualifying round.
TNS won the Welsh league last season and have reacted with delight at their money-spinning tie against the European champions.
“This is magnificent news for the club and we’re really looking forward to playing Europe’s elite,” said Mike Harris, the TNS managing director. “The downside is it makes life difficult for us to progress, but I’m sure our side will want to give a good account of itself.”
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Rafael Benitez’s side missed out on a place in the elite club competition after finishing fifth in the Barclays Premiership last season but were given special dispensation by Uefa to enter after their victory on penalties over AC Milan in last month’s final in Istanbul.
However, because England already had the maximum four representatives - and the Premier League and Football Association were unwilling to relegate Everton to the Uefa Cup - European football’s governing body were faced with a difficult situation of starting this year’s competition without the defending champions.
They decided to make an exception and give Liverpool a place but stressed they must start at the first qualifying round.
Celtic, who go straight into the second qualifying round, will play the winners of NC Gorica, from Slovenia, and Albania’s KF Tirana.