Real Madrid affected by “unprecedented” rule ahead of Champions League draw

Real Madrid affected by “unprecedented” rule ahead of Champions League draw On Thursday, Real Madrid will learn their seven opponents for the league phase of the 2026-27 Champions League. Los Blancos have struggled in the competition since winning their 15th title two years ago, but with Jose Mourinho at the helm, they will be extra determined to ensure that La Decimosexta comes to the Bernabeu next June. It will be crucial for Real Madrid to ensure a top 8 finish in the league phase, as this will guarantee that they bypass the play-off round. They have failed to do this on the two occasions since the new Champions League format came into effect, so they will hope that it is third time lucky for the 2026-27 season. Their chances of finishing in the top 8 have been given a slight boost before Thursday’s draw has even taken place. As per Diario AS , an “unprecedented” rule in UEFA’s guidelines for the Champions League could come into effect, and at the heart of it would be Real Madrid and Liverpool. In the previous two editions of the league phase, Liverpool have hosted Real Madrid at Anfield, with the Premier League side winning both (2-0 in 2024, 1-0 in 2025). UEFA rules state that “there cannot be three equal matches in three consecutive seasons”, meaning that if the two clubs are drawn together again in Thursday’s draw, the match will take place at the Bernabeu. Real Madrid will be relieved to avoid Anfield trip Since winning 5-2 in their 2022-23 round of 16 first leg clash, Real Madrid have struggled against Liverpool on Merseyside. Anfield has always been one of the most difficult trips that any clubs can make in the Champions League, so the fact that Mourinho’s side cannot make it during the 2026-27 league phase is surely good news – although it remains to be seen whether they end up being drawn against the Premier League giants on Thursday.