Champions League 2026/27 draw: Arsenal to host Real Madrid as Man United meet Bayern on their return
Arsenal will welcome Real Madrid to the Emirates in the 2026/27 Champions League league phase, while Manchester United mark their return to the competition with a home tie against Bayern Munich. Enzo Maresca's Manchester City face holders PSG and Barcelona, and Europa League winners Aston Villa host the Parisians in a rematch of their memorable quarter-final.
ByInfoBlaugrana
4 min read
The Champions League 2026/27 league phase draw handed Arsenal a heavyweight home meeting with Real Madrid on Wednesday, while Manchester United will mark their return to Europe's top competition after three years by hosting Bayern Munich at Old Trafford. The ceremony in Monaco mapped out all eight opponents for each English club in a campaign that promises fireworks from the opening round.
- Arsenal host Real Madrid and travel to Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Napoli.
- Michael Carrick's Manchester United entertain Bayern at home and visit Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano.
- Enzo Maresca's Manchester City face holders PSG and Barcelona, plus a home meeting with Kevin De Bruyne's Napoli.
- Liverpool get repeat fixtures against Inter away and Atletico at Anfield, along with Porto, Villarreal and a tough trip to Istanbul.
- Europa League winners Aston Villa go to the Camp Nou to face Barcelona and host PSG in a rematch of their epic quarter-final from two seasons ago.
Arsenal vs Real Madrid headlines the London fixtures
Arsenal, reigning Premier League champions and runners-up in Europe last season after losing to Paris Saint-Germain, face a demanding league phase. Beyond Real Madrid at the Emirates, Mikel Arteta's side will travel to Bayern Munich, host Borussia Dortmund and round off their toughest assignments with a trip to Napoli. Feyenoord, Lille, Como and Slovan Bratislava complete the list. It is not the kindest draw, but this Arsenal side has grown used to mixing with the elite.
Manchester United vs Bayern Munich: a glamour return
Manchester United's first Champions League campaign in three years will start with a marquee Old Trafford clash against Bayern Munich. Michael Carrick's team also visit Atletico Madrid, host Roma and Sporting, and travel to Villarreal. Leipzig and Como make up a set of fixtures that will test exactly where this United side stands among Europe's heavyweights.
Maresca's Man City tested by PSG and Barcelona
Enzo Maresca's first European campaign in charge of Manchester City will be anything but straightforward. City are paired with holders PSG and Barcelona, two of the most feared opponents on the continent. The Etihad will also stage an emotional reunion, with Kevin De Bruyne's Napoli visiting Manchester. City host PSG and Napoli, and travel to Barcelona, Liverpool, Feyenoord and LASK.
Liverpool and Aston Villa carry unfinished business
Liverpool have two repeat fixtures from last season: a visit to Inter at San Siro and a home meeting with Atletico Madrid at Anfield. Porto, Villarreal and a tricky away day in Turkey against Istanbul complete their schedule. Aston Villa, meanwhile, arrive as Europa League winners and will make their Camp Nou debut against Barcelona, as well as hosting PSG in a rematch of that epic quarter-final tie from two years ago.
What is at stake in the Champions League league phase
The current Champions League format requires each club to play eight matches in the league phase, four at home and four away, against opponents from different pots. The top eight teams advance directly to the round of 16, while those placed between ninth and 24th contest an extra knockout play-off round. Finishing in the top eight avoids two additional fixtures in an already congested calendar.
Champions League 2026/27 draw FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Which English clubs will face Real Madrid in the 2026/27 Champions League league phase?
Arsenal will host Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium. It is the only direct meeting between an English side and the Spanish giants in this league phase, according to Wednesday's draw.
When do the Champions League 2026/27 league phase matches take place?
The eight league phase matches are spread between September and January, with four home and four away games per club. Exact dates and kick-off times will be confirmed in the coming days once the full calendar is finalised.
How does the new Champions League format work?
Each team plays eight matches against eight different opponents instead of the six in the old group stage. The top eight qualify directly for the round of 16, while teams ranked ninth to 24th enter a two-legged play-off round.