Liverpool could face an early fixture change in their new Champions League campaign.
Andoni Iraola’s side will discover who they face in the league phase for Europe’s elite club competition during Thursday’s draw in Monaco.
But the Reds might face immediate upheaval if they are drawn against Real Madrid at home for a third time in as many seasons during the pairings.
Anfield hosted back-to-back encounters with the Spanish giants, which the hosts won 2-0 and 1-0 respectively during successive campaigns.
Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo netted in November 2024’s first meeting while the Argentine scored the only goal of the game just 12 months later.
However a hat-trick of home showdowns with Los Blancos has automatically been discounted due to a statue in UEFA’s regulations around repeat fixtures.
According to paragraph 16.03 of the Champions League regulations, any game between two teams cannot happen for a third time at the same venue.
It means that Liverpool would be required to play at the Bernabeu in the event of being drawn at home to Jose Mourinho’s men for another season running.
A potential meeting with Madrid is still possible due to sharing top seed status in Pot 1 alongside their Premier League counterparts ahead of the draw.
Liverpool cannot be drawn against any teams from their own country in the league phase or play two foreign sides based in the same country.
Iraola’s side will play four games home and away against eight different opponents as they look to reach the knockout phase early next year.