Champions League 2026-27 schedule: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético, Villarreal and Betis match times
UEFA has confirmed the kick-off times for all eight matchdays of the 2026-27 Champions League league phase. The five Spanish clubs now know exactly when and where they will play each fixture. Real Madrid open at home against Inter on Tuesday 8 September at 21:00.
ByJavi
3 min read
UEFA released on Saturday the full schedule of kick-off times for the eight matchdays of the 2026-27 Champions League league phase. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Villarreal and Real Betis now know the exact date and hour of each of their eight fixtures. Thursday's draw had already paired every club with its opponents; the only missing piece was the calendar, and UEFA has completed it with a first matchday that begins on 8 September.
Home starts for Real Madrid and Barcelona
Real Madrid will open their European campaign on Tuesday 8 September at 21:00 against Inter at the Santiago Bernabeu. One day later, on Wednesday 9 September, Barcelona will also play at home against Feyenoord, although their match kicks off at 18:45. Both sides start in front of their own fans with the clear goal of collecting three points right away.
Atletico, Villarreal and Betis begin on the road
The other three Spanish representatives face away starts. Atletico Madrid travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool on Wednesday 9 September at 21:00. Villarreal visit Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday 8 September at 21:00. Real Betis complete the group of away trips on Tuesday 8 September at 21:00, when they face Lille in France.
Dates for the eight matchdays of the 2026-27 league phase
- Matchday 1: 8-10 September 2026
- Matchday 2: 13-14 October 2026
- Matchday 3: 20-21 October 2026
- Matchday 4: 3-4 November 2026
- Matchday 5: 24-25 November 2026
- Matchday 6: 8-9 December 2026
- Matchday 7: 19-20 January 2027
- Matchday 8: 27 January 2027
What each team is playing for in the league phase
The format keeps the structure of recent seasons. The top eight teams in the league phase qualify directly for the round of 16. Those finishing ninth through 24th enter a two-legged playoff to determine the remaining eight spots. That preliminary knockout round is scheduled for 16-17 February 2027 in the first leg and 23-24 February in the second.
Knockout schedule up to the final
The round of 16 is set for 9-10 and 16-17 March 2027. The quarter-finals will be played on 6-7 and 13-14 April 2027. The semi-finals are fixed for 27-28 April and 4-5 May 2027. The final will take place on 5 June 2027.
Frequently asked questions about the 2026-27 Champions League schedule
Frequently asked questions
When does Real Madrid play their first 2026-27 Champions League match?
Real Madrid make their debut on Tuesday 8 September 2026 at 21:00 against Inter at the Santiago Bernabeu. It will be the club's first official European match of the season.
Who do Barcelona face in their opening Champions League fixture in 2026-27?
Barcelona start against Feyenoord at Camp Nou on Wednesday 9 September 2026 at 18:45. It is the only Spanish match on the opening matchday that kicks off at that time.
How does the 2026-27 Champions League league phase work?
Each team plays eight matches against different opponents. The top eight go straight to the round of 16, ninth through 24th enter a playoff, and teams from 25th down are eliminated.