Champions League Draw: Liverpool’s Favorable Path, Challenges for Barcelona

The draw for the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League league phase has been finalized, revealing intriguing matchups and storylines. This season's format involves 36 teams, and there are no repeats from last year's late knockout rounds. Fans can look forward to an exciting start when matches kick off on September 8, with the exact schedule set for release soon.

Key Matches to Watch

• PSG vs. Manchester City
• Real Madrid vs. Arsenal
• Barcelona vs. PSG
• Manchester City vs. Barcelona
• Arsenal vs. Bayern Munich

This season aims to showcase early encounters among Europe's elite clubs. Both Arsenal and Bayern Munich leveraged strong performances in the league phase last season to reach the finals and semifinals, respectively, though they fell to PSG.

Debuts and First-Time Hosts

Some clubs will make their debut or return after long absences. Como will host big names like PSG and Manchester United while visiting Barcelona. Sabah FK faces a tough group with Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal, and Manchester United but gains valuable experience in its first Champions League season. Norway's Viking and Austria's LASK return after years, with Viking hosting Bayern and LASK welcoming Liverpool and Porto. Also, Bodø/Glimt, last winter’s surprise performers, will face Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund at their northern stadium.

• Seven teams will play three matches against current top 10 globally ranked clubs, including Atletico Madrid, Como, RB Leipzig, Roma, Sabah, Sporting CP, and Villarreal.

Teams Benefiting from the Draw

Liverpool

Under new coach Andoni Iraola, who lacks European competition experience, Liverpool received a relatively gentle draw. They avoided top-tier giants such as PSG, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich. Instead, they face Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid along with Club Brugge, Villarreal, Fenerbahce, Lens, and LASK Linz. The away game against LASK in Austria could be challenging given LASK’s remarkable comeback to enter the league phase.

Atletico Madrid

With the Champions League final hosted at the Metropolitano Stadium, Atletico Madrid aims to claim their first title. Their path looks manageable despite tough matches against Bayern, Liverpool, and Manchester United. Home advantage should help them secure wins over PSV, Fenerbahce, Viking, and Stuttgart. Their most testing away trip may be to Norway to face Bodø/Glimt, who famously beat them at the Metropolitano last season.

Sabah FK

Though their group is daunting, facing former European champions Barcelona, Dortmund, Arsenal, and Manchester United in their debut is a unique opportunity. Matches against Barcelona and Dortmund take place in Baku due to stadium regulations. Trips to Emirates and Old Trafford offer memorable experiences for this young club established in 2017.

Real Madrid

Jose Mourinho returns to manage Real Madrid and faces familiar foes, including Inter Milan, his former club he led to glory in 2010, and Arsenal away. Other opponents like PSV, RB Leipzig, Shakhtar Donetsk (with a special match at Stamford Bridge), LASK, and AEK Athens appear less threatening, making the group stage favorable.

Teams Facing Tough Challenges

Barcelona

After recent deep runs in the tournament, Barcelona confronts a difficult group featuring Manchester City, PSG, Aston Villa, Galatasaray, Como, and Sabah. The schedule is far from easy, with trips to Istanbul and visits from strong Pot 1 teams. Success is possible but won’t come without obstacles.

Manchester United

Back in Europe, Manchester United encounter a brutal league phase with Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid posing major challenges. Other fixtures include away games at Como and Villarreal, where securing points will be demanding. Their home game against Sabah might provide some relief.

Villarreal

After a poor showing last season with only one point in eight matches, Villarreal faces another tough group with PSG, Liverpool, Manchester United, Dortmund, Napoli, and Fenerbahce. Improvement will be essential, particularly against Pot 4 teams Sabah and Slavia Prague.

Aston Villa

After a rough start domestically and losing key players, Aston Villa must navigate a challenging group including PSG, Barcelona, Dortmund, Club Brugge, Galatasaray, and Viking. Coach Unai Emery’s European experience will be tested.

Highlighted Matches

• Barcelona vs. Manchester City: A high-profile reunion between Rodri and his former club, with City seeking to overcome Camp Nou challenges.
• Barcelona vs. Como: Cesc Fabregas’ Como make their Champions League debut facing his old club.
• Manchester United vs. Bayern Munich: Historic rivals meeting again in what promises to be a competitive fixture.
• PSG vs. Barcelona: Two favorites clash in Paris, featuring Ferran Torres returning to Barcelona’s stadium.
• Villarreal vs. Manchester United: Carrick’s first game as permanent United manager was here; a repeat win would be sweet.
• Arsenal vs. Real Madrid: Mourinho’s Real visit Emirates, rekindling old Premier League battles.

Other Clubs' Prospects

• PSG: Known for slow starts but strong finishes; face six opponents from Europe’s top leagues.
• Arsenal: Enjoys a lighter schedule aside from big matches against Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
• Bayern Munich: Consistent in group stages with opportunities to avenge last year’s loss to Arsenal.
• Manchester City: Adapting to new squad dynamics; challenging games at Barcelona and PSG.
• Inter Milan: Limited Big Five league matchups but tough away trips to Liverpool, Club Brugge, and Stuttgart.
• Borussia Dortmund: Difficult away trip to Arsenal, with hopes pinned on home games against Inter, Real Betis, Villarreal, and AEK Athens.

Early Predictions

• League Phase Winner: Opinions favor Arsenal or Bayern Munich, with Liverpool also seen as a contender due to a more manageable schedule.
• Top Eight Finishers: Expected clubs include Arsenal, Bayern, Barcelona, PSG, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Liverpool, and either Como or Porto.
• Surprise Struggles: Atletico Madrid and Manchester City could face difficulties, while Manchester United might struggle given their tough fixtures.