UEFA rule blocks Real Madrid from playing Liverpool at Anfield in 2026/27 league draw
A new UEFA regulation prevents Real Madrid from being drawn against Liverpool at Anfield during the 2026/27 Champions League league phase.
For the upcoming 2026/27 Champions League league phase, UEFA's latest rule eliminates the possibility of Real Madrid being paired with Liverpool at Anfield, after the two clubs met there in the previous two seasons. The regulation stops any identical home-team fixture from repeating for three consecutive years. Consequently, the draw on Thursday will not place Real Madrid at Liverpool's ground, though the Reds may still travel to the Santiago Bernabéu. The restriction is limited to the league stage, meaning a meeting at Anfield could still happen later in the knockout phase. This new constraint adds an extra layer of complexity for UEFA when arranging the schedule.
Why it matters
The rule changes the Champions League draw, affecting which teams can host each other in the group stage.
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