News'I couldn't believe it!' - how Alexis and Kevin Mac Allister reacted to Europa League draw

The Argentinian brothers will meet at Anfield on Thursday evening when Liverpool host Kevin's Union SG from Belgium for matchday two.

When the draw was made last month, Alexis was so shocked to hear a family reunion was on the cards he had to obtain confirmation himself.

Speaking to his brother via video call, Alexis says: "I remember one of the staff told me that we were in the same group.

"I couldn't believe it. I told him to show me because I thought it wasn't true. For me, it was pretty special."

Kevin's memories of the moment are vivid, too, as he learned of his team's Group E opponents while on a plane.

Union SG were on their way back from Switzerland, having just defeated Lugano in a Europa League play-off to confirm their spot in the September 1 draw.

The defender, who only signed for the Belgian side in July from Argentinos Juniors, remembers: "The pilot said first LASK, after Toulouse and then made a little pause.

"And I think, 'Well, we can't play against Liverpool.' And then [they said] Liverpool!

"Of course, I played against my brother [before] and it was really special. But for me to play at Anfield – if the coach puts me in the XI, of course – in one of the best stadiums in history, I can listen to You'll Never Walk Alone, all of that will be incredible for me."

That said, Alexis is hoping his brother is only savouring the experience of Anfield under the lights on a European night and not the result when the full-time whistle blows.

"Hopefully you don't enjoy it!" the Reds No.10 laughed. "I want you to suffer! And hopefully after the game you will not want to play against us again!

"I can tell you because I've been in Anfield as a Liverpool player and as an away player as well. I can tell you that as an away player, you will feel the stadium and the crowd.

"After the game, we can speak. But hopefully you don't enjoy it!"