The UCL League Phase Draw for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League has been revealed, and all six Premier League clubs have learned their opponents in the revamped competition. The new format sees teams play eight matches against different opponents, replacing the traditional group stage. Each side faces two teams from Pots 1, 2, 3, and 4, with four matches at home and four away.
The UCL League Phase Draw has set up some blockbuster encounters, including Liverpool once again meeting Real Madrid, Manchester City’s reunion with the Spanish giants, and Arsenal taking on Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich. Chelsea, Tottenham, and Newcastle also have challenging fixtures, making this season’s tournament one of the most exciting yet.
Key Fixtures from the UCL League Phase Draw
- Liverpool will once again clash with Real Madrid, their long-time European rivals. The Reds lost finals to Madrid in 2018 and 2022 and now have another chance for redemption.
- Manchester City continue their rivalry with Madrid, marking the fifth consecutive season the two clubs meet in the competition.
- Arsenal begin their pursuit of a first European Cup against heavyweights Bayern Munich, Inter, and Atletico Madrid.
- Chelsea face Barcelona and Bayern Munich in a daunting set of fixtures.
- Tottenham return to the Champions League with a trip to Paris Saint-Germain and matches against Borussia Dortmund and Villarreal.
- Newcastle also face a difficult path with fixtures against Barcelona, PSG, and Bayer Leverkusen.
The first round of matches in the UCL League Phase Draw will take place between September 16–18, 2025.
Premier League Clubs in the UCL League Phase Draw
| Team | UCL League Phase Draw Opponents |
|---|---|
| Liverpool | Real Madrid (H), Inter Milan (A), Atletico Madrid (H), Eintracht Frankfurt (A), PSV (H), Marseille (A), Qarabag (H), Galatasaray (A) |
| Arsenal | Bayern Munich (H), Inter (A), Atletico Madrid (H), Club Brugge (A), Olympiacos (H), Slavia Prague (A), Kairat Almaty (H), Athletic Bilbao (A) |
| Manchester City | Borussia Dortmund (H), Real Madrid (A), Bayer Leverkusen (H), Villarreal (A), Napoli (H), Bodo/Glimt (A), Galatasaray (H), Monaco (A) |
| Chelsea | Barcelona (H), Bayern Munich (A), Benfica (H), Atalanta (A), Ajax (H), Napoli (A), Pafos (H), Qarabag (A) |
| Newcastle | Barcelona (H), Paris Saint-Germain (A), Benfica (H), Bayer Leverkusen (A), PSV (H), Marseille (A), Athletic Bilbao (H), Union SG (A) |
| Tottenham | Borussia Dortmund (H), PSG (A), Villarreal (H), Eintracht Frankfurt (A), Slavia Prague (H), Bodo/Glimt (A), Copenhagen (H), Monaco (A) |
Analysis of the UCL League Phase Draw
The UCL League Phase Draw has reignited one of the most famous rivalries in modern Champions League history. Liverpool once again face Real Madrid, who beat them in the 2018 and 2022 finals. This clash also brings a fascinating subplot as Trent Alexander-Arnold returns to Anfield with his new club, Madrid, after leaving Liverpool in the summer. Jürgen Klopp’s successor Arne Slot will be under pressure to guide the Reds through a tricky set of fixtures that also includes Inter and Atletico Madrid.
The UCL League Phase Draw handed Arsenal a tough schedule, with Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, and Atletico Madrid among their opponents. Facing Harry Kane’s Bayern at the Emirates will be one of the most highly anticipated matches of the campaign. The Gunners have struggled historically in the competition but now have a chance to prove themselves against Europe’s elite under Mikel Arteta.
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City continue to meet Real Madrid, facing them for the fifth consecutive season in the Champions League. Having won their first European title in 2023, City will be eager to assert their dominance once again. Their fixtures against Borussia Dortmund, Napoli, and Bayer Leverkusen also promise thrilling encounters. The UCL League Phase Draw ensures Guardiola’s men face no easy path to qualification.
Chelsea’s UCL League Phase Draw is one of the toughest, with Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Napoli all in their schedule. Fresh off receiving an award for becoming the first club to win all six UEFA competitions, Chelsea will need their best form to advance. Matches against Benfica, Ajax, and Atalanta also present different styles of football, testing the depth of their squad.
Tottenham are back in the Champions League after winning the Europa League last season. The UCL League Phase Draw pits them against PSG away, a daunting challenge against the defending champions. However, their other fixtures, including Dortmund and Villarreal at home, give Spurs hope of a strong run. Ange Postecoglou’s side has been handed a balanced draw compared to other English clubs.
For Newcastle, the UCL League Phase Draw is both exciting and challenging. They host Barcelona at St. James’ Park and travel to PSG, matches that will captivate supporters. The Magpies also face Bayer Leverkusen, Benfica, and PSV, meaning every fixture will be competitive. Eddie Howe’s men will need resilience to secure a top-16 place.
Format of the UCL League Phase Draw
The UCL League Phase Draw introduced last season has replaced the traditional group stage. Each team plays eight matches against different opponents, half at home and half away. The top eight teams in the 36-team table qualify directly for the round of 16. Teams finishing between ninth and 24th enter a two-legged play-off to secure their spot in the knockout stages. Those ranked 25th and below are eliminated, with no drop into the Europa League. Key Dates for the UCL League Phase Draw are as follows:
- Matchday 1: September 16–18, 2025
- Matchday 2: September 30–October 1, 2025
- Matchday 3: October 21–22, 2025
- Matchday 4: November 4–5, 2025
- Matchday 5: November 25–26, 2025
- Matchday 6: December 9–10, 2025
- Matchday 7: January 20–21, 2026
- Matchday 8: January 28, 2026
The knockout play-off draw takes place on January 30, 2026, while the final will be held at the Puskas Arena in Budapest on May 30, 2026.
FAQs :
What is the UCL League Phase Draw?
The UCL League Phase Draw is the new Champions League format that replaced the group stage. Teams now play eight matches against different opponents, with the top eight qualifying directly for the round of 16.
Which Premier League clubs are in the UCL League Phase Draw?
Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Newcastle, and Tottenham are the six English clubs in the 2025/26 UCL League Phase Draw.
When do UCL League Phase matches begin?
The first fixtures take place from September 16–18, 2025, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
How many matches does each team play in the UCL League Phase Draw?
Every club plays eight matches – four at home and four away – against teams from across the seeding pots.
Where is the 2026 Champions League final being played?
The final will be held at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary, on May 30, 2026.
How do teams qualify for the knockout stages?
The top eight teams in the league phase table qualify automatically for the round of 16. Clubs finishing between ninth and 24th must contest a play-off round