The Champions League is back! After three months since Paris Saint-Germain’s victory in the previous season, the group stage of the 2025-26 edition has already revealed the path to the final in Budapest. Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Liverpool lead the list of favorites to lift the trophy at the Puskas Arena on May 30, 2026. However, Arsenal, Manchester City, Bayern Münich and Chelsea, also aspire to European glory. With the 32 teams already knowing their schedule, what are the highlights of the Champions League draw?
Contents
Draw Analysis: Good and Bad NewsArsenal: The Uncrowned Giant?Napoli: A Dangerous RivalManchester City: Recovering Lost GroundTottenham: A Demanding ChallengeParis Saint-Germain: A Difficult PathChelsea: Trials by FireReal Madrid: A Complicated PathNewcastle United: High-Level MatchesEmotional ReunionsMust-See Group Stage MatchesLiverpool vs. Real MadridBarcelona vs. PSGArsenal vs. Bayern MunichChelsea vs. BarcelonaKairat Almaty vs. Real MadridThe Future of the Great
Draw Analysis: Good and Bad News
The draw has presented different scenarios for the teams. Some face considerable challenges, while others foresee a more favorable path towards the final stages.Arsenal: The Uncrowned Giant?
Is Arsenal the biggest club that has yet to conquer the Champions League? Mikel Arteta’s team, which reached the semi-finals last season, seems to have a promising route in this edition.- Arsenal will face Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich at home.
- The most complicated away game could be against Inter Milan, who are in transition.
- A favorable result for Arsenal is to play at home against Kairat Almaty.
Napoli: A Dangerous Rival
Napoli, the Italian champion, is a team to be reckoned with. Although they will face Chelsea and Manchester City, Antonio Conte’s team could advance to the next phase without major complications.- Napoli will play at home against Eintracht Frankfurt, Sporting CP and Qarabag.
- The visits will be against PSV Eindhoven, Benfica and Copenhagen.
- They avoided the strongest teams from pot A.
Manchester City: Recovering Lost Ground
After a disappointing European campaign last season, the 2023 champion seeks redemption. Pep Guardiola’s team has a more favorable schedule.- City will face Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu.
- Home matches against Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, Galatasaray and Napoli.
- Away trips against Villarreal, Bodo/Glimt and Monaco.
Tottenham: A Demanding Challenge
Tottenham, champion of the Europa League, will face PSG. However, the rest of the matches seem affordable for Thomas Frank’s team.- They will visit PSG, who won the Super Cup last month.
- They will play against Eintracht Frankfurt and Bodo/Glimt.
- Home matches against Dortmund, Villarreal, Slavia Prague and FC Copenhagen.
Paris Saint-Germain: A Difficult Path
PSG, champion of the last edition, faces a complicated path. Luis Enrique’s team will have high-level matches. They will face Bayern (H), Barcelona (A), Atalanta (H), Leverkusen (A) and Spurs (H).Chelsea: Trials by Fire
Chelsea, the world champion, has a demanding schedule ahead. Enzo Maresca’s team will face significant challenges.- The clash against Barcelona at Stamford Bridge will revive memories of historic duels.
- Benfica will also complicate the situation.
- Away games against Bayern Munich, Atalanta and Napoli.
Real Madrid: A Complicated Path
Despite its prestige, Real Madrid, managed by Xabi Alonso, will have a difficult path. They will travel to Liverpool.Newcastle United: High-Level Matches
Newcastle United will face renowned matches, but also a complicated schedule. They will face Barcelona at home.Emotional Reunions
The Champions League draw has led to emotional reunions and some awkward ones for several players.- Trent Alexander-Arnold will return to Liverpool with Real Madrid.
- Kevin De Bruyne will be welcomed as a hero at Manchester City.
- Hugo Ekitike returns to Eintracht Frankfurt with Liverpool.
- Eric Dier will reunite with his former Tottenham teammates.
Must-See Group Stage Matches
These are some of the most anticipated matches of the group stage:
Liverpool vs. Real Madrid
A clash with a lot of history in the Champions League between two of the favorites. Alexander-Arnold’s return to Anfield adds excitement.Barcelona vs. PSG
A modern Champions League classic. The return of Luis Enrique to the club he led to success in 2015.Arsenal vs. Bayern Munich
A clash between two European football powerhouses. Arsenal will seek to prove their worth against Bayern, who will seek to maintain their dominance.Chelsea vs. Barcelona
A match with a lot of history and controversy. A high-intensity encounter is expected.Kairat Almaty vs. Real Madrid
A match for football lovers, where Real Madrid will face Kairat Almaty.The Future of the Great
A brief analysis of the landscape for some of the most important clubs:- Liverpool: A complicated calendar, but with a seemingly manageable group stage.
- Barcelona: The match against PSG is the most important, but they could have problems in their away games.
- Inter Milan: After the defeat in the final, it won’t be easy, but the home matches against Liverpool and Arsenal give them a breather.
- Juventus: A difficult match against Real Madrid, but they will face Borussia Dortmund instead of other strong teams.
- Bayern Munich: They will face important matches against Chelsea, PSG and Arsenal, but they are confident of finishing in the top eight.
