By IDNN Sports Desk
The Champions League 2025/26 draw has set up blockbuster fixtures for six Premier League clubs, with Liverpool and Manchester City both facing Real Madrid in the league phase.
This is the second season under UEFA’s new 36-team league format, which replaces the traditional group stage. Each team plays eight different opponents — four at home and four away — between September 16 and January 28.
Liverpool’s Return to Europe’s Elite
Liverpool will host Real Madrid at Anfield in a reunion with former defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, who joined the Spanish giants this summer. Their other fixtures include Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, Eintracht Frankfurt, PSV Eindhoven, Marseille, Qarabag, and Galatasaray.
Manager Arne Slot faces a stern test in his first European campaign with the club.
Manchester City’s Title Challenge
Defending Premier League champions Manchester City must also travel to the Santiago Bernabéu to face Madrid. Pep Guardiola’s side will meet Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, Napoli, Villarreal, Monaco, Bodo/Glimt, and Galatasaray.
City’s draw features heavyweights from Germany and Italy, raising the stakes as Guardiola seeks another Champions League crown.
Arsenal and Chelsea Eye Progress
Arsenal were drawn against Bayern Munich and Inter Milan, reigniting their rivalry with Harry Kane, who now leads Bayern’s attack. They will also face Atletico Madrid, Club Brugge, Olympiacos, Slavia Prague, Kairat Almaty, and Athletic Bilbao.
Chelsea will host Barcelona and travel to Bayern Munich, while also meeting Benfica, Atalanta, Ajax, Napoli, Pafos, and Qarabag. The Blues, now under new management, face one of the toughest schedules.
Tottenham and Newcastle Return to the Spotlight
Europa League winners Tottenham Hotspur must visit Paris Saint-Germain, led by Kylian Mbappé, while also facing Borussia Dortmund, Villarreal, Eintracht Frankfurt, Slavia Prague, Bodo/Glimt, Copenhagen, and Monaco.
Newcastle United, returning to Europe’s top competition, will host Barcelona and travel to Paris to face PSG. Their fixtures also include Benfica, Bayer Leverkusen, PSV Eindhoven, Marseille, Athletic Bilbao, and Union Saint-Gilloise.
High Stakes in the New Format
The new format means the top eight teams after the league phase qualify directly for the round of 16. Clubs finishing ninth to 24th will enter play-offs for the remaining places, while those below 24th are eliminated completely.
Last season, Liverpool topped the table with 21 points, while Arsenal and Aston Villa also finished in the top eight. City, Newcastle, and Celtic advanced via the play-offs.
With Real Madrid once again standing in the way, Premier League clubs will need sharp form to advance deep into the competition.
This season’s final will be played in Budapest.
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