Melbourne destined to welcome European giants Liverpool for A-League All-Stars clash

English giants Liverpool are set to feature in an exhibition match against the A-League All-Stars in May, tipped to be hosted at the MCG.

The seven-time European champions, who currently sit in pole position with a 15-point buffer on Arsenal in the race for the Premier League title, are one of the most historical and well-known clubs in world football.

First reported by journalist Marco Monteverde, Liverpool will travel to Australia after their final match of the season against Crystal Palace on May 26, with scheduling having freed up after their elimination to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. The Champions League final will take place on June 1.

Arne Slot’s side last appeared Down Under eight years ago when they defeated Sydney FC 3-0 at Stadium Australia, attracting a strong crowd of 73,000.

In 2013, a friendly between Liverpool and Ange Postecoglou’s Melbourne Victory drew an attendance of 95,000 at the MCG, while 50,000 and 53,000 fans flooded through the gates to watch the 19-time English winners against Brisbane Roar and Adelaide United respectively.

The first A-League All-Stars match was contested with Manchester United, and Italian giants Juventus followed suit 12 months later.

After an extended break, the A-Leagues All-Stars returned in 2022 as FC Barcelona made the trip to Sydney.

The 2024 All-Stars edition invited Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United as part of “Global Football Week”, with Spurs and Newcastle facing off, before Newcastle played against the All-Stars two days later.

The occasion marked the first-ever A-League Women All-Stars team, who faced Arsenal in a 1-0 loss at Marvel Stadium.

However, it is not yet known whether an A-League Women All-Stars squad will be assembled for 2025.

Liverpool will not compete in the inaugural 32-team FIFA Club World Cup from June to July in the United States, allowing their travel schedule greater flexibility.