Leipzig and Liverpool Second Leg Set for Return to Budapest

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic may have the second leg of RB Leipzig's UEFA Champions League quarterfinals return to Budapest, giving neither team a home-field advantage. The news from The Times has both Leipzig and Liverpool returning to the Hungarian capital to finish out their two-leg fixture. Currently Leipzig is trailing 2-0 after a devastating loss in the opening frame.

The move is for safety as German teams are currently not allowed to travel to England due to variants of COVID-19. The distraction of where the game would take place, left Leipzig seemingly under-prepared as they were overwhelmed by a Liverpool team that has mightily struggled in the Premier League. While it may seem like a tall ask, Leipzig are capable of coming back as we saw this weekend against Borussia Monchengladbach.

UEFA did look into other venues according to the report. Feyenoord Stadium in Rotterdam, Netherlands and Italy's Stadio Friuli were both rejected. Venues in Cyprus and Romania were explored but Budapest appears to be the most suited for both team's needs.

Whether or not this situation will continue further into the competition remains to be seen. Last season, the UEFA Champions League was postponed due to the virus and was completed in Portugal. RB Leipzig surprised many by defeating Tottenham Hotspur before falling to Paris St. Germain in the semi-final. Now, they face an up-hill climb to the reigning English champions.

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