UEFA held the group-stage draw for the second season under its new league-style format. A total of 36 clubs awaited their fate in Nyon, Switzerland. The draw once again brought a mix of fortune and despair—some teams drew favorable fixtures, while others were placed in “groups of death.”
Legends on Stage
Before the draw began, UEFA presented a special award to Chelsea, honoring them as full European trophy winners, as the Blues return to the Champions League after a two-year absence. Milan icons Zlatan Ibrahimović and Kaká also made appearances, with Ibrahimović receiving the UEFA President’s Award and Kaká serving as draw guest.
Tough Roads for Real Madrid, PSG, and Inter
- Real Madrid: Their path looks brutal, facing Liverpool, Manchester City, and Juventus, plus long trips to Marseille, Monaco, Olympiacos, and the far-away Kazakh side Kairat. Spanish outlet AS described it as “a journey to the ends of the earth.”
- Paris Saint-Germain: The defending champions once again face a demanding group, drawing Bayern Munich and Barcelona, along with tricky sides like Atalanta, Tottenham, Newcastle, and Athletic Bilbao.
- Inter Milan: Last season’s runners-up must contend with Liverpool, Arsenal, Dortmund, and Atlético Madrid. Even if the rest of the schedule looks lighter, repeating last year’s success will be difficult.
English Clubs: Liverpool Struggle, Arsenal Smile
- Liverpool: Drawn against Real Madrid and both Madrid clubs, plus away trips to Inter, Frankfurt, and Marseille, the Reds face a punishing run.
- Manchester City: Once more paired with Real Madrid, while Dortmund, Leverkusen, Villarreal, and Napoli add further challenges. Guardiola’s men may also have to travel to the Arctic Circle to face Bodø/Glimt.
- Arsenal: Relatively fortunate, with Bayern, Inter, and Atlético as their biggest tests—but with two of those games at home. Other opponents are manageable, and even their meeting with Kairat is at home.
- Chelsea: Returning to the Champions League, but immediately drawn against Barcelona, Bayern, and Napoli, plus a long trip to Azerbaijan to face Qarabag.
Barca Also in a Favorable Position
Barcelona face Paris, Chelsea, and Newcastle, but overall their draw is considered lighter. With strong home advantage, Barça are seen as another winner of the draw.
Rivalries Renewed: Classic Showdowns Ahead
- Real Madrid vs Manchester City: Their fifth consecutive Champions League clash, continuing one of modern football’s greatest rivalries.
- Real Madrid vs Liverpool: Anfield prepares for the “Arnold Derby,” a reunion with high drama.
- PSG vs Bayern, Barça: Old grudges renewed, with Enrique and Dembélé both former Barça men adding spice.
- Arsenal vs Bayern: After being knocked out by Bayern last year, Arsenal now have a shot at revenge.
- Man City vs Napoli: Kevin De Bruyne returns to the Etihad, sure to be greeted warmly by City fans.
- Juventus vs Real Madrid/Villarreal: Familiar foes return to test the Bianconeri.
Conclusion
This season’s Champions League draw once again created stark contrasts: Real Madrid, PSG, and Liverpool face brutal schedules, while Barcelona and Arsenal enjoy more favorable routes. With old rivalries reignited and legends meeting again, the stage is set for another unforgettable European campaign.
