While Liverpool will undoubtedly be firm favourites when they travel to the Romanian capital on November 6th before hosting the return leg three weeks later, Houllier knows only too well that his side will be given a stern examination of their credentials.
"It's a difficult draw but an exciting draw. Out of the teams we could have got I would say Steaua is the worst draw for us," admitted Houllier.
"They are a good side with some skillful players. They have a good history and of course were the first team from eastern Europe to win the European Cup.
"We played in Bucharest, against a different team, when we won the UEFA Cup a few years ago so hopefully that's a good omen for us."
Will Liverpool beat Steaua?