The 2025–26 UEFA Champions League league-phase draw, held on August 28 in Monaco, has set the stage for one of the most competitive editions in years.
Both Liverpool and Manchester City have been drawn against Real Madrid, Europe’s most decorated club, ensuring blockbuster clashes from the start.
With six Premier League teams in the competition and a revamped format, fans can expect drama, intensity, and unforgettable battles across the continent.
Summary of last season’s competition
Last season, Paris Saint-Germain finally lifted their first Champions League trophy, dismantling Inter Milan 5–0 in the final.
Their dominance marked a turning point for the French giants, who enter this year’s competition as both defending champions and early favorites.
Odds for the 2025/26 Champions League
PSG – 5/1
Liverpool – 6/1
Real Madrid – 7/1
Arsenal – 8/1
Manchester City – 9/1
Star players to watch
Liverpool – Mohamed Salah, still the talisman, supported by a refreshed squad under Arne Slot.
Manchester City – Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva remain central to Pep Guardiola’s plans.
Real Madrid – Xabi Alonso’s side features new recruits, while Trent Alexander-Arnold’s return to Anfield will draw headlines.
PSG – Holders boast Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and a star-studded cast ready to defend their crown.
Potential surprise team
Napoli, under Antonio Conte, emerge as a potential dark horse. Their tactical discipline and attacking flair make them dangerous opponents.
Meanwhile, debutants like Bodø/Glimt, Pafos, and Kairat Almaty add intrigue and unpredictability.
Fixtures for the six Premier League teams
Liverpool
Real Madrid (H), Inter Milan (A), Atlético Madrid (H), Eintracht Frankfurt (A), PSV Eindhoven (H), Marseille (A), Qarabag (H), Galatasaray (A)
Manchester City
Borussia Dortmund (H), Real Madrid (A), Bayer Leverkusen (H), Villarreal (A), Napoli (H), Bodo/Glimt (A), Galatasaray (H), Monaco (A)
Arsenal
Bayern Munich (H), Inter Milan (A), Atlético Madrid (H), Club Brugge (A), Olympiacos (H), Slavia Prague (A), Kairat Almaty (H), Athletic Bilbao (A)
Chelsea
Barcelona (H), Bayern Munich (A), Benfica (H), Atalanta (A), Ajax (H), Napoli (A), Pafos (H), Qarabag (A)
Barcelona (H), PSG (A), Benfica (H), Bayer Leverkusen (A), PSV Eindhoven (H), Marseille (A), Athletic Bilbao (H), Union Saint-Gilloise (A)
Big clashes to watch (outside the Premier League)
Beyond England’s representatives, several heavyweight fixtures stand out:
Spain
Real Madrid vs Juventus – a heavyweight clash with echoes of past finals.
Atlético Madrid vs Inter Milan – two sides known for tactical discipline and defensive strength.
Barcelona vs PSG – a modern European classic, often delivering goals and drama.
Germany
Bayern Munich vs PSG – a repeat of multiple knockout ties, with both among the favorites.
Borussia Dortmund vs Barcelona – high-intensity football, young talent vs proven stars.
Bayer Leverkusen vs Juventus – Leverkusen testing themselves against Italian giants.
Italy
Inter Milan vs Real Madrid – a clash of tradition and star power.
Napoli vs Barcelona – Antonio Conte’s Napoli against one of Europe’s elite.
Atalanta vs Benfica – two attacking teams that often punch above their weight.
France
PSG vs Barcelona – Messi memories linger, but PSG are now the holders and favorites.
PSG vs Bayern Munich – a blockbuster tie that has decided finals in recent years.
Netherlands
Ajax vs Benfica – a duel of historic European champions from outside the top-5 leagues.
These matches feature historic rivalries and world-class talent, ensuring global audiences will be glued to their screens.
Champions League 2025/26 key dates and format
League Phase (New Format)
Matchday 1: 16–18 September 2025
Matchday 2: 30 September – 1 October 2025
Matchday 3: 21–22 October 2025
Matchday 4: 4–5 November 2025
Matchday 5: 25–26 November 2025
Matchday 6: 9–10 December 2025
Matchday 7: 20–21 January 2026
Matchday 8: 28 January 2026
Each of the 36 teams plays eight matches—four home, four away—in a single league table.
Top eight qualify directly for the round of 16, while teams ranked 9–24 face play-offs.
Knockout Phase
Play-offs: 17–25 February 2026
Round of 16: 10–18 March 2026
Quarter-finals: 7–15 April 2026
Semi-finals: 28 April – 6 May 2026
Final:30 May 2026, Puskás Aréna, Budapest (18:00 CET kick-off)
Summary Table: 2025–26 Champions League Timeline
Stage
Dates
League Phase (8 Matchdays)
16 Sep 2025 – 28 Jan 2026
Play-off Round (9th–24th)
17–25 February 2026
Round of 16
10–18 March 2026
Quarter-finals
7–15 April 2026
Semi-finals
28 April – 6 May 2026
Final – Puskás Aréna, Budapest
30 May 2026 (18:00 CET)
Conclusion
The 2025–26 Champions League is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling editions ever.
With Liverpool and Manchester City drawn against Real Madrid, heavyweight clashes are guaranteed from the start.
PSG enter as favorites after last season’s triumph, but traditional giants like Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Arsenal are close behind in the betting.
Dark horses like Napoli and debutants from smaller leagues add unpredictability to UEFA’s revamped format.
With Budapest set to host the final, fans can expect a campaign filled with tactical intrigue, superstar performances, and unforgettable nights of European football.
