The 2025/26 Champions League draw has thrown up a series of mouth-watering reunions and heavyweight clashes, ensuring plenty of drama when the group stage begins in mid-September.
One of the biggest storylines will see Trent Alexander-Arnold return to Anfield as Real Madrid travel to face Liverpool. The England right-back, who left Merseyside in a controversial summer move, will be under the spotlight as he comes up against former teammates in front of a crowd that once adored him. Liverpool’s path also includes meetings with Atlético Madrid, PSV Eindhoven and Qarabag at home, while they travel to Inter Milan, Eintracht Frankfurt, Marseille and Galatasaray.
Elsewhere, Manchester City will face a familiar foe in Real Madrid, reigniting a rivalry that has defined recent European seasons. Pep Guardiola’s side also host Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen and Napoli, setting up a reunion for Kevin De Bruyne against his old club. Trips to Villarreal, Monaco and Bodø/Glimt promise no shortage of challenges.
Arsenal’s fortunes pit them once again against their long-time nemesis, Harry Kane, now leading the line for Bayern Munich. The north London side will also welcome Atlético Madrid, Olympiakos and Champions League newcomers Kairat Almaty, while facing away journeys to Inter, Club Brugge, Slavia Prague and Athletic Bilbao.
Chelsea’s draw looks demanding, with Barcelona, Benfica, Ajax and Cypriot champions Pafos all heading to Stamford Bridge. Their away fixtures are equally testing against Bayern Munich, Napoli, Atalanta and Qarabag. Tottenham, meanwhile, face a daunting schedule that includes Paris Saint-Germain, reigning champions and recent Super Cup opponents. Spurs also face Dortmund, Villarreal, Slavia Prague and Copenhagen at home, with trips to Frankfurt, Monaco and Bodø/Glimt awaiting.
For Newcastle, the competition offers no respite. Barcelona, Benfica, PSV and Athletic Bilbao all visit St James’ Park, while the Magpies travel to PSG, Bayer Leverkusen, Marseille and Union Saint-Gilloise.
Elsewhere, fans can look forward to a repeat of the 2021 final between PSG and Bayern Munich, while Real Madrid will make a rare trip to Kazakhstan to take on Kairat Almaty.
The group stage begins on 16–18 September, with five further rounds scheduled before mid-December and two more in January. The full fixture list, including dates and kick-off times, will be confirmed this weekend.
