February 8 – In a compromise move caused by the impact of Covid-19, a solution has finally been found for staging the RB Leipzig-Liverpool Champions League last-16 first leg tie, with Budapest selected as a neutral venue after German authorities imposed strict protocols to combat the spread of the pandemic.
Leipzig were due to host Juergen Klopp’s side on February 16 at the Red Bull Arena but Germany has banned all arrivals from areas affected by COVID-19 mutations until at least February 17, with the only exceptions made for German citizens or residents.
UEFA thanked the two clubs “for their close cooperation 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.”
UEFA’s regulations stipulated that the home side must find a way of hosting the match or risk forfeiting it as a 3-0 defeat. Confirmation of Budapest as hosts ended any doubt about the tie taking place.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said he believed an exemption should have been made for his side to travel but with home advantage (for what it’s worth with no fans) wiped out for the Germans, the tie potentially gives both sides more an equal chance.
It was reported in Germany that Leipzig were also in talks with Tottenham Hotspur over the use of their London stadium, but settled on the venue in the Hungarian capital.
Borussia Moenchengladbach are now also considering their options for the first leg of their tie against Manchester City on February 24 should the ban in Germany be extended.
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