The Champions League has barely begun, yet the biggest names in European football already have trouble waiting for them. Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain face Manchester City, Barcelona and Aston Villa, while Arsenal must find a way past Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.
PSG will begin their title defence with a brutal run of fixtures. Barcelona will visit the Parc des Princes before the French champions travel to Villa Park and Manchester.
Luis Enrique’s side are chasing a third straight European crown after beating Arsenal in last season’s final. The draw now gives them an early chance to show whether they remain the team to beat.
Arsenal have been given little room for error. Mikel Arteta’s men will host Real Madrid and welcome Dortmund, but their trip to Bayern Munich could provide the biggest test of their league phase.
There is also unfinished business for the Gunners. Their defeat by PSG in last season’s final remains fresh, making the meeting with Europe’s giants more than just another Champions League fixture.
Manchester City face their own reunion tour. PSG will arrive at the Etihad, while City travel to Barcelona to face former midfielder Rodri, who moved to the Catalan club for £65m in the summer.
Napoli’s trip to Manchester will carry another emotional edge. Kevin De Bruyne will return to the Etihad with the Italian side after leaving City, giving supporters a chance to welcome a player who helped define the club’s modern era.
Aston Villa are back among Europe’s elite after a season away. Unai Emery’s side will host PSG and Dortmund, while trips to Barcelona and Galatasaray will provide stern tests of their European credentials.
Manchester United return after a two-year absence and face Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and Roma. Liverpool will meet Atletico and Inter Milan, with difficult trips adding further pressure.
The new league phase leaves little space for a slow start. Each club faces eight different opponents, with the top eight reaching the last 16 and teams from ninth to 24th entering the play-offs.
Every point could prove crucial as the long road to the final in Madrid on June 5, 2027 begins.
