Premier League clubs drawn with heavyweights in Champions League

Introduction to the 2025-26 Champions League draw

The 2025-26 UEFA Champions League group stage promises an exhilarating spectacle as six Premier League clubs prepare to face some of Europe’s most formidable opponents. For the first time in the competition’s expanded 36-team league format, teams from England will not only feature prominently but also meet some of the continent’s giants, including 15-time champions Real Madrid and the current holders Paris Saint-Germain. This article unpacks the fixtures, analyses the challenges ahead, and highlights key storylines for English football fans.

Premier League clubs face daunting opponents

Both Liverpool and Manchester City have been drawn against Real Madrid, a fixture brimming with history and star power. Liverpool will welcome Real to Anfield, where fans can expect a fierce contest especially given Trent Alexander-Arnold’s recent transfer from Liverpool to Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Manchester City will face Real at the Santiago Bernabéu, with Pep Guardiola’s squad also drawn against Napoli and Borussia Dortmund, testing their mettle in a group packed with elite talent.

Meanwhile, Chelsea face a challenging group featuring Barcelona and Bayern Munich, along with Pafos FC, which includes former Chelsea defender David Luiz. Arsenal's group is equally tough, as they meet Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, and Atletico Madrid. Tottenham and Newcastle, meanwhile, must contend with the reigning champions PSG, with Tottenham also facing Dortmund and Monaco, while Newcastle’s group includes Barcelona and Bayern Leverkusen.

Understanding the new league format and its implications

The Champions League’s revamped 36-team league phase means each team plays eight different opponents—four at home and four away—instead of the traditional group format. This change promises more varied and competitive fixtures but also increases the challenge for Premier League clubs.

The top eight teams in the league phase automatically progress to the last 16 knockout stage, while those finishing ninth to 24th enter a two-legged play-off to qualify. Teams placed 25th or below are eliminated outright, with no fallback into the Europa League. Last season, Liverpool topped the table, showcasing the importance of consistency across these diverse fixtures.

Key fixtures and storylines to watch

Liverpool’s quest for European glory

Liverpool’s campaign will be closely watched, especially with the added drama of facing their former star Trent Alexander-Arnold. Their fixtures against Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan—the runners-up last season—are particularly crucial. Success in these matches could define their journey, as they will also take on teams like Eintracht Frankfurt and Marseille.

Manchester City’s chance to return to the summit

Pep Guardiola’s men face a stern test against Napoli, a team that has surged in recent years. Notably, Kevin De Bruyne will return to the Etihad Stadium with Napoli, adding a personal edge to that fixture. City’s matches against Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen round out a demanding group that will test their tactical adaptability.

Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham, and Newcastle’s challenging paths

Chelsea must navigate a group with Barcelona and Bayern Munich, while Arsenal face a similar challenge. Tottenham’s Europa League triumph earned their place, and they will aim to capitalise on their favourable draws against Dortmund and Monaco. Newcastle’s return to the Champions League includes high-profile clashes with Barcelona and PSG, signalling a significant step in their European ambitions.

Which Premier League clubs have the toughest draws?

PSV Eindhoven, though not a Premier League club, have arguably drawn the hardest group in the league phase, facing champions from England, Germany and Italy. Among English clubs, Liverpool and Manchester City face particularly rigorous opposition, with Real Madrid looming large. Arsenal and Tottenham, while facing strong teams like Bayern Munich and Dortmund, have also drawn some lower-seeded teams, offering potential opportunities to rack up points.

For fans interested in the broader football landscape, a comprehensive guide to UK and Ireland football leagues offers further context on club performances and competitions.

Scheduling and the road to Budapest

The Champions League fixtures kick off on Tuesday 16 September 2025, with the final league games set for 28 January 2026. The season will culminate in a final hosted in Budapest, a city with rich football heritage. As clubs navigate this demanding schedule, squad depth and injury management will be critical.

Conclusion: What this means for Premier League football

This season’s Champions League group stage presents a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Premier League clubs face historic rivals and emerging forces in a format that rewards consistency and resilience. The stakes are high, with domestic pride and European glory on the line.

Fans can expect thrilling encounters, dramatic storylines, and moments that could define careers. For further insights on English football, including managerial changes and transfer updates, see our analysis on Daniel Levy’s departure from Tottenham, which explores the evolving dynamics of one of the Premier League’s top clubs.