Liverpool could be banned from facing Real Madrid in the Champions League next season, even if both teams qualify for the league phase. A UEFA regulation, paragraph 16.03, states that a fixture between the same two teams cannot be repeated in the same competition with the same home team for three consecutive seasons.
Arne Slot's side defeated Real Madrid 2-0 at Anfield in November last season and will host them again this week. This will be the 13th meeting between the clubs in the competition, with most occurring in the knockout stages, including three finals (1981, 2021 and 2022).
Under the new rule, if Liverpool are drawn as the home team against Real Madrid in the league phase for a third straight season in 2026/27, the fixture would be prohibited. However, they could still meet with the away team reversed or in the knockout stages.
The regulation was introduced by the UEFA Club Competitions Committee to prevent repetitive matchups in the league phase. Liverpool fans will hope the rule does not affect their team's chances in future campaigns.
