Real Madrid News
UEFA rule guarantees Real Madrid will avoid another Champions League trip to Anfield in the League Phase
Real Madrid will not be travelling to Anfield to face Liverpool during the league phase of the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League.
The draw for the Champions League may not have happened yet, but it is already certain that after two successive Anfield trips in the league phase, Madrid will not have to make the trip this time.
Liverpool’s official website explains that UEFA regulations mean the Merseyside club cannot be drawn at home against Los Blancos for a third consecutive Champions League league phase.
No third successive trip to Anfield
Real Madrid have been handed the same difficult assignment in each of the previous two seasons since the Champions League adopted its new league-phase format.
Los Blancos travelled to Anfield during the 2024-25 campaign, losing 2-0 after goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo.
UEFA rules are set to prevent Liverpool from being drawn at home to Real Madrid in this season's Champions League league phase ⤵️
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 26, 2026
The draw then sent Madrid back to Merseyside in 2025-26, where Liverpool again emerged victorious, this time through a Mac Allister header in the second half.
UEFA had already included a provision in its regulations covering precisely this possibility for the 2026-27 campaign.
Liverpool can still come to the Bernabeu
Importantly, the regulation does not prevent the two European giants from facing one another altogether.
Real Madrid can still be drawn against Liverpool, but this time the fixture would have to take place at the Santiago Bernabeu.
That would certainly represent a welcome change for Madrid given how their previous two visits to Anfield have unfolded.
Mourinho’s side would also have home advantage if the clubs are paired together this time around.
The Champions League draw can produce plenty of difficult assignments regardless, but Madrid already know one scenario they will not have to confront.
No homecoming for Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ibrahima Konate
Real Madrid have signed two players as effectively free agents from Liverpool in the past two seasons, with Trent Alexander-Arnold arriving a season ago and Ibrahima Konate this summer.
However, both former Reds will not be going back to Anfield, at least in the league phase of the Champions League.
Trent and the Anfield crowd have no love lost following the acrimonious manner in which his departure unfolded.
Konate’s departure may not have caused the same kind of furore but, regardless, neither player can be considered an Anfield favourite any longer.
It remains to be seen whether the duo get to face their former team at the Bernabeu when the draw is made, or whether this is a fixture that will not take place for the third successive year in the league stage.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid youngster determined to become a permanent fixture in team under Mourinho
In a season so far that has produced mixed results, Arda Guler has emerged as one of the bright sparks for Real Madrid this season.
The young Turkish international has proven his worth on multiple occasions, offering real spark and creativity in Real Madrid’s final third.
Guler’s performances have not gone unnoticed either, with the playmaker having reportedly reached agreement on a fresh contract until 2032 at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Guler wants to become a starter
According to AS (h/t RM4Arab), Guler is determined to leave his own mark at Real Madrid and firmly establish himself as a regular starter under Jose Mourinho.
The role the Turk aspires to is one that brings more vitality to the team while also improving the performances of those around him.
It is a lofty ambition, but one that reflects the growing confidence of a player who has already begun to show his true level.
That development has been met with significant appreciation within the club, where Guler is increasingly viewed as a key part of Real Madrid’s present and future.
Unfazed by fierce competition
What makes Guler’s determination all the more admirable is his willingness to take on the challenge despite the star-studded attacking options ahead of him.
The 21-year-old is well aware that the likes of Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde and Kylian Mbappe all rank ahead of him and appear to be near-impeccable options for Mourinho.
However, the report makes clear that Guler is not afraid of the competition and is instead relishing the opportunity to prove himself.
That fearless attitude has already been evident in his displays, with Guler having piled pressure on the club’s €140 million signing Yan Diomande following his impact against Rayo Vallecano.
Guler’s determination is a great sign for Real Madrid and it may well be a matter of time before he forces his way into the starting eleven on a permanent basis.
