Champions League draw sets up blockbuster ties for English clubs
Arsenal will host Real Madrid and travel to Bayern Munich in the new league phase, while Manchester City face Barcelona and PSG. Manchester United welcome Bayern at home and Liverpool visit Inter. The draw also includes matches against Borussia Dortmund, Napoli, and other European sides.
The draw, conducted in Monte Carlo with Thierry Henry and David Villa present, sets the stage for the 2026-27 league phase beginning September 8-9, with full match schedules to follow on Saturday. Arsenal's path includes a rematch with Bayern, whom they defeated 3-1 at the Emirates last November, and a home reunion with Real Madrid, whom they beat 3-0 in a quarter-final two seasons ago.
Manchester City's campaign under Enzo Maresca features a trip to Barcelona, where they will face former midfielder Rodri, and a home meeting with reigning champions PSG. Manchester United's return to the elite competition includes a home clash with Bayern and an away trip to Como, managed by Cesc Fàbregas. Chelsea, though not qualified, will host Champions League matches at their stadium as Shakhtar Donetsk's temporary home base, with Real Madrid among their visitors.
This draw could reshape the competitive landscape of European football, with several marquee fixtures likely to draw massive global audiences and generate significant broadcast revenue. For English clubs, the schedule may test squad depth early in the season, potentially influencing domestic league form. The inclusion of debutants like Sabah and Viking Stavanger could broaden the tournament's commercial appeal in emerging markets, while Shakhtar's continued use of Chelsea's stadium highlights the ongoing disruption of Ukrainian football.