Welsh team first up for Liverpool

European champions Liverpool will open their title defence against Total Network Solutions (TNT) of Wales in the Champions League's first qualifying round next month.

Friday'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 beat AC Milan on penalties in last month's final 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.