Champions League Draw Rules Will Keep Liverpool and Real Madrid Apart Next Season
UEFA regulations will prevent Liverpool and Real Madrid from meeting in the 2024/25 Champions League group stage, should both clubs qualify for the competition. This restriction stems from the two teams being drawn against each other in consecutive campaigns under the current format.
The ruling, detailed in UEFA Champions League regulation paragraph 16.03, prohibits the same fixture from occurring with the same home team for three consecutive seasons. Liverpool, who secured a 2-0 victory over Madrid at Anfield in November, will host the Spanish giants again this week, triggering this regulation for next season’s draw.
The historic rivalry between these European powerhouses spans 13 matches, with all but one encounter taking place in the last 16 years. While most of these clashes occurred in knockout rounds, including three finals (1981, 2021, and 2022), only two meetings happened during the group stages.
In other Champions League news, Arsenal seeks to maintain their perfect European campaign as they travel to face Slavia Prague. The Gunners, who have won all three of their group matches so far, are expected to field a strong lineup despite their favorable position.
Manager Mikel Arteta’s selection will likely feature David Raya in goal, who has yet to concede in European competition this season. The defensive unit should see William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes as central defenders, with Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ben White potentially occupying the fullback positions.
In midfield, Martin Zubimendi’s suspension due to accumulated yellow cards forces a change, with Christian Nørgaard expected to step in alongside Declan Rice, who impressed in the recent Burnley match. Eberechi Eze is likely to retain his attacking midfield role.
The forward line may see one adjustment, with Viktor Gyokeres requiring assessment following a potential muscle injury against Burnley. Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard are expected to maintain their wing positions, while Mikel Merino could lead the attack, particularly with a crucial Premier League fixture against Sunderland looming this weekend.
The £31 million-rated Merino, who filled in as striker during the second half against Burnley, is anticipated to start as the team’s number nine, allowing Gyokeres additional recovery time.
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