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Champions League: Liverpool learn Real Madrid, Leverkusen dates

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Why Liverpool will be favourites vs. Real Madrid in Champions League (1:24)

Ryan O'Hanlon believes playing the current champions at Anfield will be a game changer for Liverpool vs. Real Madrid. (1:24)

Liverpool's first match in the the revamped Champions League league phase will be away at AC Milan on Sept. 17, UEFA confirmed in a fixture release on Saturday.

Arne Slot's side then return to Anfield for a clash against Bologna on Oct. 2 before a trip to RB Leipzig on Oct. 23.

Liverpool's next two fixtures look to be their most difficult as they welcome Bayer Leverkusen to Anfield on Nov. 5 followed by hosting Real Madrid on Nov. 27.

From there, Liverpool face an trip to Girona (Dec. 10) and a home clash against Lille (Jan. 21). Their final fixture will be away to PSV Eidhoven on Jan. 29.

The new group stage format sees an expanded 36 teams put into a single league table. Each team will play eight games before the knockouts -- two more than previous years -- with the final round of matches all taking place at the same time.

The top eight teams will progress directly to the round of 16. Teams finishing between ninth and 24th place will advance to a knockout play-off stage, while the bottom 12 teams will be eliminated.

Liverpool last won the competition in 2019, beating Tottenham in the final.

It will be the club's first European bid under Slot, who has won both of his opening games in charge.