Monaco — The UEFA Champions League 2025-26 league-phase draw delivered a blockbuster set of fixtures on Thursday evening as Europe’s elite discovered their opponents in the expanded 36-team format. Fans, managers and pundits were treated to a list of high-profile clashes — including Real Madrid vs Liverpool — as clubs across the continent now begin to plot their paths to next year’s final in Budapest.
The new league phase kept its promise of drama: with nine seeded teams in Pot 1 and the revised format that guarantees each club a broader slate of opponents, the draw produced heavyweight matchups early on. Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain all find themselves in groups that promise mouthwatering matchdays between September and January. The draw ceremony, held in Monaco, featured icons from the game and UEFA officials who confirmed the structure and schedule for the 2025-26 campaign.
Top matchups and shock pairings
Some of the most talked-about pairings announced during the live event:
-
Liverpool were handed an especially tough run: Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid are among the headline foes they will face during the league phase. The Reds’ full list of opponents — which mixes elite Spanish opposition with strong Italian and German sides — sets up a relentless group stage challenge.
-
Arsenal drew Bayern Munich and other major European names, a tie that promises a tactical spectacle whenever the sides meet. Chelsea received special recognition during the ceremony and will also face a stern test in their group. Manchester City and Barcelona again headline their pots and will be favourites in densely competitive mini-leagues.
Across the broadcast and live blogs, outlets raised the prospect that several matchups could effectively be knockout tests before the knockout rounds even begin — a byproduct of the expanded league phase that pairs more top clubs against one another.
What the new format means — and what’s changed
The 36-team league phase introduced last season remains in place, meaning clubs will play a larger variety of opponents than under the old four-group system. The expanded slate increases the number of marquee matches across matchdays and creates more opportunities — and risk — for top clubs to drop valuable points. UEFA’s official materials and live coverage emphasized that finishing inside the top eight will guarantee direct progression to the Round of 16, while those placed 9th-24th will enter intermediary knockout playoffs.
A notable administrative update announced at the event: UEFA confirmed a scheduling tweak for the competition’s showpiece final in Budapest. Starting with the 2026 final, kick-off time will be moved to an earlier slot — a decision meant to broaden global TV audiences and optimise viewership windows. The change was highlighted during the ceremony and is expected to shape planning for broadcasters and federations.
Immediate reaction — clubs, fans and pundits
Reaction was instantaneous across social platforms and the live blogs. Pundits called several groups “mini-finals,” while supporters of clubs drawn against continental heavyweights expressed a mix of excitement and apprehension. Broadcasters and live blogs described the draw as one of the most entertaining since UEFA transitioned to the league phase system — with plenty of narrative hooks to carry through the autumn European fixtures.
Clubs are already recalibrating domestic priorities where necessary. For managers, the draw will inform rotation plans and summer transfer window targets — especially for squads that appear likely to battle across multiple competitions simultaneously.
Logistics and next steps
UEFA has said that full fixture lists and matchday calendars will be published in the coming days (clubs and fans were told to expect detailed scheduling information shortly). Broadcasters worldwide carried the live event — and UEFA’s own channels will host the official schedule and the finalized list of kick-off times. For supporters planning travel, the window for arranging logistics opens now, but clubs often confirm ticket allocation and official travel guidance once the calendar is released.
What to watch this season
With heavyweight matchups sprinkled throughout the league phase, keep an eye on:
-
Head-to-head tactical battles: When managers with contrasting styles meet (for example, possession-heavy sides vs high-press units), those games often determine which teams top the table.
-
Depth and rotation: The expanded format punishes thin squads; clubs that strengthened wisely in the window will have an edge.
-
Early season momentum: Strong starts in September and October generally translate into control over the winter schedule and a better chance of securing a top-eight finish.
Final takeaways
Thursday’s draw has set the stage for what promises to be a high-intensity continental campaign. From blockbuster ties like Real Madrid vs Liverpool to strategic intrigues involving title favourites, the 2025-26 Champions League league phase will deliver drama across multiple matchdays. Supporters, pundits and clubs now shift focus to fixture release, ticketing, and tactical preparations — while broadcasters ready their coverage for a competition that remains European football’s biggest stage. Stay tuned for full fixture publication and matchday analysis as UEFA releases the detailed schedules.
