Champions League Draw: Real Madrid Faces Tough Test Against Inter and Arsenal

The draw for the league phase of the new 2026-2027 UEFA Champions League, held this evening in Monaco, has produced heavyweight clashes between Europe’s top clubs and title contenders. The league phase features 36 teams, with the draw determining each club’s path. Spanish giants Real Madrid will face Italian side Inter Milan and English club Arsenal in two of the strongest matches of this stage. Manchester City, meanwhile, will encounter a fiery showdown against Spanish club Barcelona, and the draw also pits them against defending champions Paris Saint-Germain in an exciting matchup. Barcelona’s path is not devoid of tough encounters either; they will face Paris Saint-Germain in a regular European summit, as well as Aston Villa and Sporting Lisbon.

The first round of league phase matches will be played between September 8 and 10. The second round will take place on October 13 and 14, and the third round on October 20 and 21. The fourth round will be held on November 3 and 4, the fifth round on November 24 and 25, and the sixth round on December 8 and 9. Competition resumes in 2027, with the seventh round played on January 19 and 20, and the eighth and final round taking place on a single day, January 27, 2027.