OFFICIAL: Leipzig v Liverpool moved to Budapest

The Champions League clash between Leipzig and Liverpool will take place in Budapest, Hungary. This is due to coronavirus restrictions imposed by the German government which prevents the Premier League side from travelling to Germany. 

The match will take place on 16th February, but the German government has banned all travel to the country from the UK until at least 17th February due to the new strain of coronavirus in the country. Only German nationals and residents in Germany are allowed entry and professional footballers are not exempt. Therefore, the game has had to be moved. 

The match will take place in Budapest at the same stadium which hosted the UEFA Super Cup final between Bayern Munich and Sevilla back in September. Tottenham's ground was also in the running to host the fixture, but in the end, the first leg will be held in Hungary. 

The possibility of reversing the tie was ruled out as the German government's travel ban on the UK could be extended past 17th February and Liverpool reportedly wanted to have the second leg at home.  The second leg at Anfield is set for 10th March.

It is not the only tie which could be affected by travel restrictions and Man City's trip to Gladbach the following week could also be moved as well as Atletico Madrid v Chelsea. 

In the Europa League, Real Sociedad v Man Utd could also be shifted and the tie between Arsenal and Benfica could be over one leg at a neutral venue.

 

February 7, 2021