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Liverpool will essentially be prevented from meeting Real Madrid in the opening stage of next season's Champions League, assuming both clubs qualify for Europe's premier tournament.
The two powerhouses have been paired together in consecutive campaigns. However, a third meeting in three years would be prevented by a fresh and unprecedented UEFA regulation. Arne Slot's side secured a 2-0 victory over Madrid at Anfield in late November last season and will host the Spanish team again this week.
The forthcoming match will represent the 13th time Liverpool has encountered Madrid in the competition. However, merely two of those clashes occurred during the former group stage format.
The other fixtures took place in the knockout phases of the tournament, including three showpiece finals (1981, 2021, and 2022).
Nevertheless, according to paragraph 16.03 of the UEFA Champions League regulations, the two clubs are unable to meet each other in next year's league phase version of the competition.
The regulation says: "In accordance with paragraph 16.03 of the UEFA Champions League regulations, the UEFA Club Competitions Committee has determined an additional condition that may be applicable to the UEFA Champions League draw for the 2026/27 season, deciding that any individual fixture between the same two teams may not be repeated in the same competition with the same home team for three consecutive seasons.
"This means that if any teams that already played against each other in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League in the 2024/25 season are again drawn against each other, with the same home team, in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League in this 2025/26 season, those teams will not be able to be drawn against each other with the same home team in the 2026/27 season (although, for the sake of clarity, those teams could still be drawn against each other at the venue of the other team)."
The clash at Anfield on Tuesday will carry additional significance this time following Trent Alexander-Arnold's summer switch from Liverpool to Real Madrid.
The right-back has remained on the bench for Madrid's previous two fixtures while recovering from a hamstring problem. He anticipates a frosty welcome at Anfield, though he insists it will not alter his affection for the club.
"Whichever way I'm received is the decision of the fans. I'll always love the club, I'll always be a fan of the club," he said.
"I'll always be thankful for the opportunities and the things we achieved together, they'll live with me forever.
"No matter what, my feelings won't change towards Liverpool. I've got memories there that will last me a lifetime, and no matter how I'm received, that won't change.
"It's mixed emotions. It will be a very, very difficult game, but one that I'm excited for. A huge game and a huge stage to go and try to perform.
"It will be a big difference walking into the away changing room, warming up on the other side, everything will feel a lot different to me."
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