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Liverpool cannot host Real Madrid in Champions League draw

CBS Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 26, 2026, 5:41 PM

Last updated Aug 26, 2026

Liverpool cannot host Real Madrid in Champions League draw

Summary

The Champions League draw on September 27 will not feature a repeat of Liverpool hosting Real Madrid, nor Arsenal facing Inter. UEFA regulations restrict matchups that involve the same home team for three consecutive seasons. Liverpool and Real Madrid played at Anfield in the previous two seasons, with Liverpool winning both matches. Arsenal's previous encounters with Inter, which included a win and a loss at the San Siro, also prevent a third clash there this season. These new rules aim to enhance variety in matchups during the league phase of the tournament.

Source Links

CBS Sports

Key Details

•Liverpool defeated Real Madrid at Anfield in the last two seasons.
•Arsenal previously faced Inter in Milan for two consecutive seasons.
•UEFA's new rule allows no identical fixtures with the same home team for three years.
•The draw takes place on September 27.
•The league phase format includes 36 clubs playing eight games.

Latest Updates

5:41 PMCBS Sports — Champions League draw: Why Liverpool cannot host Real Madrid and Inter vs. Arsenal is off limits

What they're saying

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UEFA regulations now ban identical fixtures with the same home team three years in a row, also preventing Arsenal from visiting Inter at the San Siro for a third straight campaign
— CBS Sportsby James Benge

Related Teams & Leagues

Arsenal Liverpool Real Madrid Atletico Madrid Champions League Soccer