Kenya Sport

Champions League 2026-27 Draw: Liverpool’s Favorable Path, Barcelona Faces Tough Challenge

Champions League Draw Overview

The 2026-27 UEFA Champions League league phase draw has been finalized, bringing anticipation and intense matchups for the 36 participating teams. ESPN analysts Mark Ogden, Rob Dawson, Bill Connelly, and Alex Kirkland share insights on what the draw means for major clubs and newcomers alike.

Key Matchups to Watch

  • PSG vs. Manchester City
  • Real Madrid vs. Arsenal
  • Barcelona vs. PSG
  • Manchester City vs. Barcelona
  • Arsenal vs. Bayern Munich

The competition kicks off on September 8, though exact dates for each match will be announced soon. Notably, there are no rematches from last season's final stages, offering a fresh slate of games that bring early clashes between Europe's top clubs.

First-Time European Contenders

Several teams make their debut or return after long absences. Como will host big names like PSG and Manchester United and visit Barcelona. Sabah FK, another newcomer, faces Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund at home, plus trips to Arsenal and Manchester United. Norway's Viking and Austria's LASK return to this stage after long gaps, with Viking hosting Bayern Munich and LASK welcoming Liverpool and Porto. Last season’s knockout surprise Bodø/Glimt will play Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund at their Aspmyra Stadion near the Arctic Circle.

Teams Facing Multiple Top 10 Opponents

  • Atletico Madrid
  • Como
  • RB Leipzig
  • Roma
  • Sabah FK
  • Sporting CP
  • Villarreal

Favorable Draws

Liverpool

New coach Andoni Iraola enters European competition without prior experience but benefits from a relatively gentle group stage. Liverpool avoided the strongest seeds like PSG, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich. They face top-seeded Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid alongside Club Brugge, Villarreal, Fenerbahce, Lens, and LASK Linz. The trip to Austria against LASK might be their toughest challenge, given LASK’s remarkable playoff comeback against Celtic.

Atletico Madrid

With the Champions League final set at their Metropolitano Stadium, Atletico has a promising chance to claim the trophy. Their path looks manageable with games against PSV, Fenerbahce, Viking, and Stuttgart expected to secure advancement. Their most challenging fixture is an away game in Norway versus Bodø/Glimt, who recently defeated them in Madrid.

Sabah FK

Despite facing daunting opponents like Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal, and Manchester United, Sabah’s debut in Europe is historic for the young club founded in 2017. They will host Barça and Dortmund in Baku since their home stadium lacks UEFA approval, while traveling to iconic venues like the Emirates and Old Trafford for matches against Arsenal and United. This season promises unforgettable experiences for the Azerbaijani side.

Real Madrid

Jose Mourinho returns to Real Madrid and faces emotional ties, including a home match against his former club Inter Milan. Trips to Arsenal and Roma, also former Mourinho stops, will test the team early on. Matches against PSV Eindhoven, RB Leipzig, Shakhtar Donetsk (played at Stamford Bridge), LASK, and AEK Athens offer more winnable challenges.

Challenging Draws

Barcelona

After reaching the semifinals in 2025 and quarterfinals in 2026, Barcelona aims for Champions League glory under Hansi Flick. The group stage draws them against Pot 1 giants Manchester City and PSG; Pot 2’s Aston Villa; an away match at Galatasaray; and tough Pot 4 sides Como and Sabah. It won’t be an easy run, but they have the quality to advance.

Manchester United

Back in Europe, Michael Carrick’s squad faces a demanding group with Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid among the toughest tests. Away fixtures at Metropolitano and trips to Como add to the difficulty. Securing points consistently will be a challenge despite home advantage against Sabah.

Villarreal

Last year’s poor performance, with just one point from eight games, sets a low bar for Villarreal. This season, they confront heavyweights PSG, Liverpool, United, Dortmund, and Napoli. Away games against Fenerbahce and tough fixtures against Sabah and Slavia Prague will test new coach Iñigo Pérez.

Aston Villa

The Premier League side has struggled early this season and lost key players over the summer. Facing PSG and Barcelona from Pot 1, plus Dortmund and Club Brugge, alongside a difficult trip to Galatasaray and unknown Viking, makes for a daunting group. Unai Emery’s European experience will be crucial.

Noteworthy Matches

  • Barcelona vs. Manchester City: Rodri’s transfer adds spice to this clash at Camp Nou, with City aiming to overcome a tough start in the league phase.
  • Barcelona vs. Como: Como, led by former Barca player Cesc Fabregas, aims to make an impact in their debut Champions League season.
  • Manchester United vs. Bayern Munich: These two clubs share memorable history, including the iconic 1999 final.
  • PSG vs. Barcelona: A heavyweight showdown featuring World Cup winner Ferran Torres returning to face his old club.
  • Villarreal vs. Manchester United: Carrick’s first game in charge of United was here; a repeat victory would be welcome.
  • Arsenal vs. Real Madrid: Mourinho’s return to the Emirates promises drama and intensity.

Other Clubs' Prospects

  • PSG: Known for slow starts, Luis Enrique’s team faces a tough schedule with many Big Five league opponents.
  • Arsenal: Aside from Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, Arsenal has a relatively manageable draw.
  • Bayern Munich: Consistent performers in the group stage, Bayern can avenge last season’s early exit against Arsenal.
  • Manchester City: A new roster and major games against Barcelona and PSG pose challenges.
  • Inter Milan: Although fewer matches against Big Five teams, Inter faces passionate crowds on the road.
  • Borussia Dortmund: Young squad faces tough away games but a favorable home slate offers chances to sweep.

Early Predictions

  • League Phase Winner: Kirkland and Connelly pick Arsenal; Dawson favors Bayern Munich; Ogden expects Liverpool to top the table.
  • Top Eight Finishers: Various combinations include Arsenal, Bayern, Barcelona, PSG, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Liverpool, Como, Porto, and Stuttgart.
  • Surprising Struggles: Atletico Madrid and Manchester City may face difficulties due to player transfers and squad adjustments. Manchester United could struggle with their tough fixtures.

Related Articles