UEFA conducted the Champions League 2025-26 draw on August 28, 2025, in Monaco, revealing exciting fixtures for the league phase featuring 36 teams.
Arsenal faces Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid at home, Liverpool draws Real Madrid, and PSG encounters Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur among others.
The new format replaces traditional groups with a single league table, where each team plays eight matches (four home, four away), promising more drama and unpredictability.
This setup, starting September 16-18, 2025, and ending in the Puskas Arena final on May 30, 2026, excites fans across Europe and the UK as of 10:45 AM IST today, September 16, 2025.
The New Champions League Format Explained
For the second year, UEFA scraps the group stage for a league phase with 36 clubs, including six from England: Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Newcastle United, and Tottenham (Europa League winners).
Each team plays eight different opponents, drawn from four pots based on UEFA coefficients.
The top eight advance directly to the round of 16, teams 9-24 enter two-legged play-offs, and the bottom 12 exit without Europa League fallback.
Matches span eight matchdays from September 2025 to January 2026, with the final in Budapest.
This format differs from past seasons by increasing games (eight vs. six) and introducing play-offs, aiming to boost competitiveness.
Last season, 16 points often secured top-eight, 10-15 for play-offs, and under 8 led to elimination.
England’s extra spot via performance spots highlights Premier League dominance, potentially leading to all-English clashes.
Key Fixtures and Storylines
The draw creates blockbuster ties. Arsenal’s opponents include Bayern Munich (home), Atletico Madrid (home), Inter Milan (away), and Athletic Club (away), plus others like Pafos and Kairat Almaty. Mikel Arteta’s side, after a semifinal exit to PSG last year, strengthened with Viktor Gyökeres, Martín Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, and Eberechi Eze, positioning them for a deep run.
PSG, defending champions after their 5-0 final win over Inter Milan, draws Bayern Munich (away), Barcelona (home), Atalanta (home), Leverkusen (away), and Spurs (home). With stars like Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Vitinha, João Neves, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Nuno Mendes, and Achraf Hakimi, Luis Enrique’s team eyes a repeat, though Donnarumma’s move to Manchester City adds uncertainty.
Barcelona, under Hansi Flick, faces PSG (away), Chelsea (home), Newcastle (away), and more, with Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, and Raphinha leading the attack. Additions like Marcus Rashford, Ferran Torres, and Roony Bardghji bolster them, but defensive woes (24 goals conceded last season) persist after a semifinal loss to Inter.
Liverpool meets Real Madrid (away), Galatasaray (home), and others, with Arne Slot aiming for glory. Manchester City faces Napoli (home) and Real Madrid (away), while Newcastle draws Barcelona (home) and PSG (away), a tough debut. Chelsea plays Bayern (away) and Benfica (home), and Tottenham faces PSG (away) and Bodo/Glimt (home).
Other highlights: Bayern vs Chelsea, Newcastle vs Barcelona, and Manchester City vs Napoli on matchday one. Experts like Mark Ogden predict PSG favorites, but Arsenal and Barcelona could challenge, with new coaches like Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid) and Vincent Kompany (Bayern) adding intrigue.
Reactions and Predictions
The draw sparks debate. ESPN’s Ogden calls it “good for Arsenal and Spurs, bad for PSG,” noting their heavy hitters.
Theo Walcott sees an “exciting year” for Arsenal.
Liverpool’s James Pearce highlights Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Anfield return against Real Madrid and Ekitike reunion, plus avoiding long trips like Qarabag.
Barcelona’s Pol Ballus views PSG at home as big, but Chelsea and Newcastle away as tricky.
On X, fans react wildly. One post from James Pearce LFC analyzes Liverpool’s draw: “Trent’s Anfield return, Ekitike reunion, delighted to avoid Qarabag trip.”
Another from ESPNcricinfo (wait, cricket? No, ESPN Soccer) buzzes: “Arsenal vs Bayern rematch—fireworks!”
Full Schedule Overview
Matchday 1 (Sept 16-18): Bayern vs Chelsea, Newcastle vs Barcelona, Man City vs Napoli.
Matchday 2 (Sept 30-Oct 1): Atalanta vs Club Brugge, Kairat Almaty vs Real Madrid.
Up to Matchday 8 (Jan 28, 2026), with play-offs in February. Knockout draw on Jan 30.
This draw sets up a season of surprises, with England’s six teams boosting Premier League hopes for an all-English final like 2021.
Stay tuned for matchday action!