The opulent halls of Monte Carlo recently played host to one of football’s most anticipated events: the draw for the Champions League 2025-26 season. With a revamped format introducing a single “league phase” rather than traditional groups, the stakes, and the intrigue, have never been higher. This new chapter promises more clashes between giants and ample opportunities for dark horses to upset the established order.
Gone are the familiar eight groups, replaced by a single league table of 36 teams. Each club will face eight different opponents – four at home and four away – promising a more diverse and challenging path to the knockout stages. This structural shake-up aims to inject fresh excitement and guarantee more high-profile matchups earlier in the competition. While some purists may miss the predictability of the old format, the new system is designed for maximum drama.
Italy`s Quest: A Gauntlet of Giants and Unpredictable Journeys
For Italian football, the draw delivered a mix of familiar foes and intriguing new challenges. The “league phase” means every match is a crucial test, and no team can afford a misstep.
Inter Milan: Navigating a Star-Studded Path
Inter Milan, always a strong contender, faces a formidable journey. Their home fixtures include high-octane encounters against Liverpool and Arsenal, a repeat of last year`s thrilling 1-0 victory over the Gunners via a Calhanoglu penalty, which they will undoubtedly aim to replicate. They will also welcome Slavia Prague and Kazakhstan`s Kairat Almaty, the latter representing one of the more exotic additions to Europe`s elite. On the road, Inter will clash with Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, Dutch giants Ajax, and Belgium`s Union Saint Gilloise. A truly global football tour for the Nerazzurri, where every away day could prove pivotal.
Juventus: Seeking European Glory with a Touch of Nostalgia
For Juventus, the road to Budapest weaves through some truly iconic stadiums. At home, they are set to host Borussia Dortmund, Benfica, Sporting Lisbon, and the Cypriot newcomers Pafos. Their away schedule is particularly demanding, featuring trips to footballing royalty Real Madrid, Spanish formidable side Villarreal, Norway’s plucky Bodo/Glimt, and Monaco – a fixture that will undoubtedly stir emotions for former star Paul Pogba, now making a sentimental return. This blend of European heavyweights and potential banana skins makes for a tantalizing prospect for the Old Lady.
Atalanta: A Chance for Redemption and New Triumphs
Atalanta, known for their attacking prowess, will be looking to make a significant impact. Their home calendar pits them against Premier League stalwarts Chelsea, Belgian side Club Brugge (who surprisingly eliminated them in last season’s playoffs—a clear opportunity for revenge!), Slavia Prague, and Spain`s Athletic Bilbao. Their travels will take them to Parisian titans PSG, German powerhouse Eintracht Frankfurt, French flair of Marseille, and another encounter with Union Saint Gilloise. It’s a challenging draw, but one that perfectly suits Atalanta’s audacious playing style.
Napoli: A Test of Resolve Amidst Familiar Foes
Napoli will host a strong lineup including Chelsea, Eintracht Frankfurt (a fixture that infamously led to significant public order issues in 2023, demanding increased vigilance this time around), Sporting Lisbon, and Azerbaijani champions Qarabag. Their away fixtures are equally stern, with daunting trips to Manchester City, Benfica, Dutch outfit PSV Eindhoven, and Danish side Copenhagen. For Napoli, consistency will be key against a diverse set of opponents.
The European Heavyweights: Defining Their Paths
Beyond Italy`s representatives, the draw has laid out fascinating narratives for Europe`s elite clubs:
- PSG (Defending Champions): The reigning champions face arguably the toughest draw. At home, they welcome Bayern Munich, Atalanta, Tottenham, and Newcastle. Their away legs include daunting clashes with Barcelona, Bayer Leverkusen, Sporting Lisbon, and Athletic Bilbao. A truly brutal schedule for the Parisians.
- Chelsea (Club World Cup Champions): The “World Champions” will host Barcelona, Benfica, Ajax, and Pafos. Their travels take them to Bayern Munich, Atalanta, Napoli, and Qarabag. Coach Maresca will become quite familiar with Italian cuisine during his two trips to the peninsula.
- Real Madrid: Perceived by many as having a historically favorable draw, Real Madrid will play Manchester City, Juventus, Marseille, and Monaco at the Bernabéu. Their away trips include Liverpool, Benfica, Olympiacos, and Kairat Almaty. A varied itinerary for the perennial contenders.
- Liverpool: The Reds face a tough campaign, hosting Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, PSV, and Qarabag. Their away games are against Inter Milan, Eintracht Frankfurt, Marseille, and Galatasaray.
- Bayern Munich: The German giants host Chelsea, Club Brugge, Sporting Lisbon, and Union St. Gilloise. Their away matches are against PSG, Arsenal, PSV, and Pafos.
- Manchester City: Pep Guardiola`s side will host Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, Napoli, and Galatasaray. Their away fixtures feature visits to Real Madrid, Villarreal, Bodo/Glimt, and Monaco.
- Barcelona: The Catalan club hosts PSG, Eintracht Frankfurt, Olympiacos, and Copenhagen. Their away clashes include Chelsea, Club Brugge, Slavia Prague, and Newcastle.
The Road to Budapest: Key Dates
The exhilarating league phase of the Champions League 2025-26 season is set to commence on September 16-18. Over eight matchdays, teams will battle it out until the final league fixtures on January 28, 2026, which will see 18 matches played concurrently. The ultimate prize, the Champions League trophy, will be contested in the final on May 30, 2026, at 18:00 (CET) in Budapest.
The new Champions League format promises a season unlike any other. With more diverse opposition for every club and fewer “dead rubbers” due to the comprehensive league table, fans can expect non-stop, high-stakes football action from September through to the grand finale in Budapest. It`s time to buckle up; Europe`s premier club competition is about to redefine excitement.