UEFA imposes special rule to prevent Liverpool-Real Madrid group clash

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) is set to conduct the draw for the 2026–27 UEFA Champions League on Thursday, introducing a special provision affecting Liverpool and Real Madrid.

Why the Liverpool–Real Madrid Matchup Is Blocked

Under the new format, participating clubs will learn their path to the next round through league-phase matches — four played at home and four away.

According to Spain’s *Sport* newspaper, Liverpool and Real Madrid are precluded from meeting in the group phase.

This restriction stems from a newly adopted UEFA rule for the group stage that prohibits the same fixture from being repeated three times in succession.

Historical Context Behind the Rule

The rule applies specifically to Liverpool and Real Madrid, who faced each other in the two most recent editions of the competition.

In both prior encounters, Real Madrid travelled to England as visitors to Liverpool’s Anfield stadium.

*Sport* notes that if the draw were to place both teams in the same group, the match would not be scheduled at Anfield — though it could be held at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

The newspaper explains that UEFA aims to avoid staging the same fixture at the same venue repeatedly; since the previous two meetings occurred at Anfield, a potential third consecutive clash would be relocated to the Santiago Bernabéu.

Scope and Limitations of the Rule

This regulation applies exclusively to the group stage.

For example, Real Madrid and Manchester City have met in nearly all of the past eight Champions League editions, across various rounds including knockout stages — meaning they remain eligible to face each other again in the 2026–27 tournament, even if that results in a repeat fixture.