Jordan Henderson: Liverpool have what it takes to beat anyone in the Champions League

Jurgen Klopp’s side were beaten by the Spanish team in the Europa League final two seasons ago, but can still be pleased with a group-stage draw in which they avoided Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus.

Liverpool will face Russian champions Spartak Moscow and Slovenian title holders Maribor in addition to Sevilla after last night’s draw in Monaco.

Captain Henderson says they will go into those matches believing they can reach the competition’s knockout stages for the first time since 2009.

He said: “We’ve proved that we can play against anyone really. There are some brilliant sides in the competition, but we’ll be confident going into the group stages.”

Liverpool are one of five English teams in the group stage for the first time in Champions League history, and the others had mixed fortunes.

Tottenham were handed the toughest draw, with European champions Real Madrid and German giants Borussia Dortmund in their group, along with Cypriot title winners APOEL.

Chelsea will face Atletico Madrid – the club who want to sign their want-away striker Diego Costa – as well as last season’s Serie A runners-up Roma and Azerbaijani minnows Qarabag.

Europa League winners Manchester United will be optimistic about getting through their group after being drawn with Benfica, Basel and CSKA Moscow.

Neighbours City face Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk, who are playing home games 185 miles away in Kharkiv because their home city is caught up in the conflict with Russia. Pep Guardiola’s side will also take on Feyenoord, last season’s Dutch champions, and Napoli.

Scottish champions Celtic face a major battle to make the knockout stages, having been drawn out with Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Anderlecht.

Liverpool sealed their group-stage spot with a 4-2 win in the second leg of their play-off against Hoffenheim on Wednesday, wrapping up a 6-3 aggregate win.

Their front three of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino were outstanding, while Georginio Wijnaldum and Emre Can were also excellent.

Henderson said: “It was a huge night to get back into the Champions League, where we belong.

“We’ve got great attacking options with Sadio, Mo, Roberto and Gini and Emre getting forward at times.

“We’ve got to look forward now, playing with pace and intelligence; winning the ball back with energy.”

Midfielder Can, who scored twice against Hoffenheim, suggested Liverpool’s attacking threat will put the frighteners on their European opponents.

“Everyone knows we are a very strong side,” Can said. “They will have seen what we did against Hoffenheim.

“Sadio is a world-class player. He has so many qualities. He’s very strong and quick, he’s always scoring goals and creating chances for the team.”