Champions League final shock: 2027 venue confirmed in big win for Liverpool
Atletico Madrid’s Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium is set to stage the 2027 Champions League final, marking a return to the venue that last hosted the prestigious event in 2019. UEFA made the announcement on Thursday, confirming that the 70,692-seat stadium will follow Budapest’s Puskas Arena as the next host for Europe’s biggest club game.
The decision revives memories for Liverpool, who famously lifted the trophy at the Metropolitano in 2019 after defeating Tottenham, with Mohamed Salah and Divock Origi scoring the decisive goals. UEFA’s choice comes after Milan’s San Siro was removed from consideration, despite the city being given additional time to meet the required standards.
Atletico’s ground will now join a select few to have hosted the final twice in recent years, with Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu last holding the event in 2010 before its renovation. In addition to the men’s final, UEFA revealed that Warsaw’s National Stadium will be the site for the 2027 Women’s Champions League final, expanding the range of locations for key European fixtures.
Further announcements included the allocation of several other UEFA competition finals. Salzburg, Austria, will welcome the 2026 Super Cup, while Pesaro, Italy, is set to hold the 2026 Futsal Champions League final. The Futsal Under-19 Euros will be hosted in Astana, Kazakhstan, and Osijek, Croatia, will stage the Women’s Futsal Euros.
UEFA’s executive committee also discussed the increasingly debated proposal of allowing European domestic league matches to be played overseas. LaLiga has suggested holding Barcelona’s December fixture against Villarreal in Miami, which would be a historic first for European league football. There is also an application for AC Milan’s Serie A clash with Como to take place in Perth, Australia, in February of the following year.
However, UEFA has postponed its decision on these proposals, insisting on a comprehensive consultation process involving all stakeholders, including supporters. In their statement, UEFA explained, “The committee acknowledged it as an important and growing issue but expressed the desire to ensure that it has the views of all stakeholders before coming to a final decision. There are many issues to resolve and as the European governing body, UEFA has a responsibility to take all such factors into account.”
Fans’ groups have already expressed significant opposition to the prospect of overseas league matches, likening the idea to the controversy of the European Super League plans introduced in 2021. For now, UEFA’s approach remains cautious, with no immediate resolution expected as consultations continue.
