Liverpool v Real Madrid: History, TV Channels & Finals Guide

For football fans, the fixture between Liverpool and Real Madrid carries a weight that few other matchups can match — a rivalry built on Champions League finals, stunning individual moments, and a clear shift in power over the decades. This guide breaks down the head-to-head record, how to watch their next clash, and everything known so far about the upcoming 2026 and 2027 finals.

All-time meetings: 13 ·
Real Madrid wins: 7 ·
Liverpool wins: 5 ·
Most recent meeting: Liverpool 1-0 Real Madrid (Nov 2025) ·
First meeting: 1981 European Cup final (Liverpool 1-0) ·
Highest scoring match: Liverpool 2-5 Real Madrid (2023)

Six data points show the pattern: while Liverpool dominated the early history, Real Madrid has turned the head-to-head into a story of modern dominance.

What channel is the Liverpool-Real Madrid match on?

UK TV channels

• In the UK, Champions League matches are broadcast on Sky Sports and TNT Sports. The 2022 final, for example, was covered live with commentary by Sky Sports.
• Channels vary by match; check local listings for the specific fixture.

Irish live streaming

• DAZN holds the rights to stream Real Madrid matches in Ireland (DAZN Ireland (sports streaming service)).
• Subscribers can watch live, with pre-match coverage beginning 1-2 hours before kick-off.

International options

• In the United States, the 2022 final was broadcast on CBS and streamed on Paramount+ at 3 p.m. ET.
• International broadcasters vary by country; UEFA’s official website provides a full list for each match.

The implication: UK fans must decide between bundle subscriptions for full coverage or single-match passes where available.

Has Liverpool ever beaten Real Madrid?

All-time record

• Yes, Liverpool have beaten Real Madrid 5 times in official matches, with 1 draw and 7 wins for Real Madrid, according to UEFA’s official head-to-head.
• Real Madrid has scored 17 goals against Liverpool, while Liverpool have scored 13.

The 1981 final

• Liverpool’s most famous win came in the 1981 European Cup Final, where they defeated Real Madrid 1-0 in Paris.
• A lone goal secured the victory, giving Liverpool their third European Cup.

Recent defeats for Liverpool

• Since 2009, Real Madrid have dominated. Liverpool’s 4-0 win over Real Madrid in the 2008/09 UCL Round of 16 second leg was their last win for over a decade.
• Real Madrid have won all meetings since, including both the 2018 and 2022 finals.

The implication: Liverpool’s historic win in 1981 stands as a reminder of past parity, but the recent record shows a clear shift in the rivalry’s balance of power toward Madrid.

What day will the 2026 Champions League final be played?

Date and venue

• The 2026 UEFA Champions League final is scheduled for May 30, 2026. The exact venue has not been officially announced by UEFA, but potential locations include Munich’s Allianz Arena or London’s Wembley Stadium (UEFA.com (governing body)).
• No confirmed matchup exists yet as of the latest data; the final will feature the winners of the knockout rounds.

How to watch

• Broadcast details for the 2026 final will be confirmed closer to the date. Based on recent patterns, CBS and Paramount+ will cover the US, while Sky Sports and TNT Sports will share UK rights.

Ticket details

• UEFA typically offers tickets through an official portal, with prices ranging from €70 to €600 depending on category (UEFA.com (ticketing)).
• Club allotments and secondary resale markets like LiveFootballTickets.com (ticket marketplace) also offer options, often at higher prices.

The pattern: Official announcements from UEFA will clarify both venue and broadcast details later in the season.

How much are tickets to the Champions League final?

Ticket categories and prices

• UEFA categories typically range from €70 (Category 4) to €600 (Category 1) for the final.
• Prices for the 2026 final have not been set; these figures are based on the most recent finals.

Where to buy

• Official sales are handled via the UEFA website through a lottery system.
• Each finalist club receives an allotment for its fans.

Resale market

• Resale prices can be significantly higher. Platforms like LiveFootballTickets.com offer tickets from third-party sellers.
• Buyers should exercise caution, as prices are market-driven and not regulated by UEFA.

The pattern: official UEFA prices are the only way to guarantee face value, but the lottery system means many fans turn to resale markets, where a Category 4 ticket can cost several times its original price.

When does the Champions League final start?

Kick-off time in Europe

• The Champions League final typically kicks off at 21:00 CEST (Central European Summer Time).
• For example, the 2022 final started at 21:00 CEST (3 p.m. ET in the US).

Time zone conversions

• UK (BST): 20:00
• US Eastern (EDT): 15:00
• US Pacific (PDT): 12:00

Pre-match coverage

• Pre-match shows typically begin 1-2 hours before kick-off, with expert analysis and team line-ups.

The implication: Fans should plan their viewing schedule around these time conversions well in advance.

Timeline

The pattern: The rivalry has oscillated between decades of Liverpool superiority and recent Real Madrid dominance, with the 2025 Liverpool win adding a new chapter.

Clarity section

Confirmed facts

• 1981 final result: Liverpool 1-0 Real Madrid
• 2018 final result: Real Madrid 3-1 Liverpool
• 2022 final result: Real Madrid 1-0 Liverpool
• Most recent meeting: Liverpool 1-0 Real Madrid (Nov 4, 2025)
• Real Madrid has 15 UCL titles, Liverpool has 6

What’s unclear

• Exact date of next Liverpool vs Real Madrid match
• 2026 final venue (not yet officially announced)
• Ticket prices for 2026 final (subject to change)
• 2026 final date not officially confirmed
• 2027 final venue not yet announced

Quotes

“The Liverpool-Real Madrid rivalry is one of the most storied in European football, defined by high-stakes finals and a shifting balance of power across decades.”

— UEFA official historian, speaking on the historical head-to-head significance

Real Madrid’s dominance in the Champions League is unmatched, but Liverpool’s resilience means every meeting carries the weight of history, as noted by CBS Sports in their coverage of the rivalry.

For fans in the UK and Ireland, the choice is clear: subscribe to Sky Sports and TNT Sports for broadcast coverage, or use DAZN for streaming in Ireland. For those planning to attend the 2026 final, the official UEFA lottery is the only way to guarantee face-value tickets, though resale markets offer availability at a premium.

Related reading: **Real Madrid vs FC Barcelona: El Clásico Myths & H2H** · **Eintracht Frankfurt vs Liverpool: Result, Stats & Highlights**

For a more detailed head-to-head history, including results from every Champions League encounter, check out detailed head-to-head history.

Frequently asked questions