Liverpool will be prevented from facing Real Madrid at Anfield in next season’s Champions League group stage following a new UEFA regulation that takes effect ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Under the updated competition rule, any two clubs that meet in back-to-back seasons — with the same team hosting both fixtures — will not be allowed to play again at that same venue for a third consecutive season.
This means that, even if Liverpool and Real Madrid are drawn together once more, the fixture would automatically be moved to the Santiago Bernabéu instead of Anfield.
🔴 Background:
Arne Slot’s side recently faced the Spanish giants at Anfield in this season’s group phase, having also hosted them in last year’s campaign. The rule, aimed at promoting fixture variety, applies strictly to group-stage matches and does not affect knockout rounds.
If the regulation comes into play, one of Liverpool’s away fixtures would switch to a home match to maintain UEFA’s balance of four home and four away games per group.
⚽ UEFA’s Full Statement:
«“If two clubs that met in the UEFA Champions League league phase in 2024/25 are drawn together again in 2025/26 with the same home side, they cannot be drawn against each other with that same home team in the 2026/27 league phase. However, they may still meet at the opposing venue.”»
This subtle yet significant regulation marks another layer of complexity in UEFA’s evolving Champions League structure — and for Liverpool fans, it means no Anfield clash against Real Madrid for at least the next two years. 🔥
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