Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Aston Villa have learned their group phase opponents following the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League draw.
The five Premier League clubs face contrasting fixture lists in the expanded European competition, with last season's runners-up Arsenal handed matches against Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, while Manchester United were drawn against Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich.
Arsenal are seeking to go one step further than last season, when they suffered defeat in the Champions League final. Their upcoming fixtures will bring them face to face with prominent figures including Jude Bellingham, Jose Mourinho, and Harry Kane.
Shakhtar Donetsk Fixtures at Stamford Bridge
Although Chelsea did not qualify for this season's Champions League, their home ground will still host matches in the competition. Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk are using Stamford Bridge for their home games due to the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.
The arrangement means Spanish giants Real Madrid will travel to London to play Shakhtar Donetsk. The fixture sets up a return to Stamford Bridge for former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho.
Manchester United Post-European Schedule
Manchester United face a demanding domestic fixture list immediately following their eight Champions League league phase matchdays. The Old Trafford side open their European campaign between September 8 and September 10, before hosting rivals Manchester City in the Premier League on September 12.
United then travel to face Leeds on October 17 following matchday two on October 13 to 14, followed by a home game against Bournemouth on October 24 after matchday three on October 20 to 21. Following matchday four on November 3 to 4, United host Aston Villa on November 7.
Their remaining post-European Premier League fixtures see them host Brentford after matchday five on November 24 to 25, travel to Crystal Palace after matchday six on December 8 to 9, host Liverpool after matchday seven on January 19 to 20, and travel to Brentford following the final group game on January 27.
Barcelona Group Phase Opponents
Barcelona have been drawn against a challenging combination of opponents in the league phase of the competition. The Catalan side will host Manchester City, Aston Villa, Feyenoord, and Como at home.
On their travels, Barcelona will face Paris Saint-Germain, Sporting CP, Galatasaray, and Sabah away from home.
Arsenal Pundit Reactions to Draw
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown gave his reaction to the Gunners' draw on TNT Sports, recalling previous victories in Europe. "Real Madrid, thinking back to Declan Rice scoring those two free-kicks, celebrating in the stand with my two sons. Bring that on again. Bayern Munich, tough game, but one that we can relish. We beat them last year," Keown said.
Aston Villa Clash with Paris Saint-Germain
Aston Villa will renew rivalries with Paris Saint-Germain at Villa Park in the league phase. The two sides met earlier this month in the Super Cup, where Villa tested the European champions while much of the PSG squad was returning from World Cup duty.
PSG are expected to be at full strength for the Champions League meeting, while Villa enter the fixture following a recent domestic match against Brighton.
Paris Saint-Germain League Schedule
Paris Saint-Germain face a formidable list of opponents in the league phase of the competition. The French champions will host Barcelona, Roma, Galatasaray, and Bratislava.
On their travels, PSG will play away matches against Manchester City, Aston Villa, Villarreal, and Como.
Thierry Henry Assessment of Arsenal Draw
Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry offered his assessment of the Gunners' European path during post-draw analysis. "The start looks strong, in all fairness. Hopefully we can do it. Let's see. I will try to speak to Mikel [Arteta]," Henry said.
Manchester City Reunion with Rodri
Manchester City's away fixture against Barcelona sets up an immediate reunion with midfielder Rodri at the Nou Camp. Rodri scored the winning goal for City in their Champions League final victory three years ago before departing the club under circumstances that left some supporters dissatisfied.
Liverpool Favourable Group Phase Fixtures
Liverpool secured the lowest difficulty rating among all English teams in the league phase draw. Their fixture list includes matches against Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid, two opponents Liverpool defeated during the previous season even while experiencing difficult form.
Unai Emery Record Against Barcelona
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery faces a daunting return to Barcelona, a team against whom he has suffered more career losses than any other opponent. Emery has lost 21 times to Barcelona across his managerial career, including the famous 2017 La Remontada defeat while managing Paris Saint-Germain.
Emery's away record at Barcelona is particularly tough, with 14 losses from 15 visits. His sole victory at the venue came in May 2022 while managing Villarreal in LaLiga. Villa also enter the group phase having lost key players from their squad.
Upcoming European Draws
Following the conclusion of the Champions League group phase draw, European football attention turns to the secondary competitions. The draws for the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League will take place tomorrow.
