2025-26 Champions League draw: Who got the best and worst groups?

UEFA held the draw for the league phase of the Champions League during an event at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco. As was the case last season, the first phase of the competition will feature eight matches for each of the 36 participating teams.

Liverpool and Barcelona draw favourably in the Champions League

Current Premier League champions Liverpool will be content with their Champions League draw. With a squad stronger than last term, the Reds face approachable opposition on their path to the knockout rounds.

Arne Slot’s side are grouped with tough opponents like Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid—guaranteeing competitive matches. Meanwhile, Liverpool also face Eintracht Frankfurt, PSV Eindhoven, Olympique de Marseille, Qarabag and Galatasaray—teams not considered to be at the same level.

Additionally, Liverpool’s travel demands are relatively modest compared to some top seeds, which may prove advantageous in their pursuit of a direct round of 16 place.

Barcelona also benefited in the draw. Set to contend for the Champions League following their domestic dominance in 2024-25, Barca retained their nucleus and are now even more attuned to Hansi Flick’s methods.

Their greatest challenges lie against Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea. By contrast, they have comparatively kind fixtures against Eintracht Frankfurt, Club Brugge, Olympiacos, Slavia Prague, Copenhagen and Newcastle.

Like Liverpool, the Spanish side avoid arduous European travel and stand every chance of finishing among the eight best in this opening phase.

PSG not so fortunate

Reigning Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain were dealt a much tougher hand. Logistics may not be an issue for Luis Enrique’s side—but most of their matches are likely to be extremely demanding.

They have been drawn against Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Atalanta, Bayer Leverkusen, Tottenham Hotspur, Sporting Lisbon, Newcastle United and Athletic Bilbao in the first phase. The Parisians will need to avoid any slip-ups to maintain their European dominance.

Real Madrid also face a stern test

What turned out to be relatively kind draws in recent years does not apply to Real Madrid for 2025-26. Under Xabi Alonso, Los Blancos face difficult opposition and significant travel.

Their key group-stage rivals are Manchester City, Liverpool and Juventus. Compounding the challenge is a long trip to Kazakhstan to face debutants Kairat Almaty near the Asian border. They also must face Benfica, Marseille, Olympiacos and Monaco.

All Champions League matches

Check out all the matches of the first phase of the Champions League below. The schedule of the clashes will still be defined by UEFA in the coming days.