Soccer

Liverpool to play Leipzig in Budapest due to Germany’s Covid ban

Fears of new variants force Champions League clash to be moved to neutral venue

‘UEFA can confirm that the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg match between RB Leipzig and Liverpool FC will now take place at Puskas Arena in Budapest,’ said a statement. Photograph: Paul Ellis/NMC Pool/PA Wire
‘UEFA can confirm that the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg match between RB Leipzig and Liverpool FC will now take place at Puskas Arena in Budapest,’ said a statement. Photograph: Paul Ellis/NMC Pool/PA Wire
Sun Feb 07 2021 - 19:34

Liverpool's Champions League first leg against RB Leipzig will take place in Budapest, Uefa has announced. The tie, on February 16th, has had to be switched to a neutral venue after the German government banned all arrivals from countries affected by new coronavirus variants.

That ban lasts until February 17th, the day after Liverpool were due in Leipzig, and an application for special permission for them to travel was denied. A statement said: "UEFA can confirm that the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg match between RB Leipzig and Liverpool FC will now take place at Puskas Arena in Budapest.

"The date of the match and kick-off time (21:00 CET) will remain the same. UEFA would like to thank RB Leipzig and Liverpool FC for their close co-operation and assistance in finding a solution to the issue at hand, as well as the Hungarian Football Federation for their support and agreeing to host the match in question."

The second leg takes place at Anfield on March 10th.