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Liverpool must wait to discover if they will receive a significant boost ahead of the Champions League group stage draw later this month.

The Reds are currently in Pot 3 for the draw, which will take place in the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco on Thursday, August 30.

Liverpool received a surprise bonus after Basel's shock exit in the second qualifying stage to Greek side PAOK.

The Swiss club's elimination means Liverpool became the highest-ranked third seeds in the competition, with the Reds and Benfica competing for the final place in Pot 2.

The Portuguese side, like Basel, have been asked to negotiate the qualifying rounds.

And they kept alive their hopes of progressing to the group stages by hanging on against Fenerbahce in Istanbul on Tuesday night.

Fenerbahce, with former Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel among their number, were beaten 1-0 in Lisbon last week, and went further behind in the tie when Benfica's Gedson Fernandes struck midway through the first half.

(Image: OZAN KOSE/AFP/Getty Images)

Alper Potuk equalised in first-half injury time, but it wasn't enough as Benfica secured a 1-1 draw on the night to win 2-1 on aggregate.

Now Liverpool will look for another favour from PAOK, who will face Benfica for a place in the group stage, with the first leg taking place in Lisbon on August 21 and the return on August 29.

If PAOK triumph, then Liverpool will be bumped up to Pot 2.

However, a Benfica victory could hand Jurgen Klopp's side a tricky test when the draw for the group stage is made later this month.