Liverpool ‘Banned’ From Hosting Atletico Madrid in the Champions League Next Season
Liverpool will face Atletico Madrid at Anfield in their opening Champions League fixture of the 2026/27 campaign, but the same matchup cannot take place at Anfield again next season.
The Reds are set to welcome Diego Simeone’s side to Merseyside, with Andoni Iraola preparing for his first Champions League night at Anfield. Liverpool have collected five points from their opening three Premier League matches, while Atletico head into the European clash after suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat to Athletic Club.
The two clubs have developed a memorable European rivalry in recent years. Atletico famously eliminated Liverpool from the Champions League at Anfield in 2020, despite Jurgen Klopp’s side being among the favourites at the time.
Liverpool vs Atletico Cannot Be Repeated at Anfield in 2027/28
Liverpool and Atletico also met at Anfield last season, when Virgil van Dijk’s late header secured a dramatic victory for Arne Slot’s team. Atletico had fought back from two goals down through a brace from Marcos Llorente after Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah had initially put Liverpool ahead.
With the same fixture being drawn again for this season’s league phase, UEFA regulations mean Liverpool cannot host Atletico in the Champions League for a third consecutive season.
UEFA’s rules state that the same fixture cannot be repeated with the same home team across three successive seasons. Liverpool could still be drawn against Atletico Madrid next season, but the Reds would have to play the fixture away from Anfield.
Atletico Also Face an Attacking Blow
Simeone already has several selection concerns ahead of the trip to Liverpool. Alexander Sorloth is injured, while Julian Alvarez is being gradually brought back into the squad following his attempted move to Barcelona.
Atletico will also be without Arnau Ortiz. The winger was sent off after receiving two yellow cards during his last European appearance in 2024, meaning he must serve a suspension against Liverpool.
Liverpool will therefore face an Atletico side dealing with several attacking absences, while UEFA’s competition rules ensure that this exact Anfield fixture cannot happen again next season.
