Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain have been handed a rigorous path in the upcoming Champions League, with Thursday’s draw placing them alongside European heavyweights Manchester City, Aston Villa, and Barcelona. The French side will host Barcelona at the Parc des Princes, while facing challenging away fixtures against both Manchester City and Aston Villa as part of the tournament's league phase.
The draw sets the stage for a series of high-stakes encounters across the continent. For Manchester City, the league phase includes a home match against PSG at the Etihad Stadium and a trip to Barcelona. The fixture in Spain will see City face their former midfielder Rodri, who completed a £65 million move to the Catalan club this summer. Additionally, City will host Napoli, featuring former player Kevin De Bruyne, alongside matches against Sporting CP, Porto, RB Leipzig, AEK Athens, and Lens.
Arsenal and Premier League Contenders Face European Giants
Arsenal, who were defeated by PSG on penalties in last season’s final, face a demanding schedule that includes hosting 15-time winners Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium. Mikel Arteta’s squad will also travel to face Bayern Munich, with further league-phase fixtures against Borussia Dortmund, Real Betis, Lille, Napoli, Sabah, and Slavia Prague.
Aston Villa, returning to the competition after a one-year absence, have been paired with PSG and Borussia Dortmund at home, while facing away trips to Barcelona and Galatasaray. Unai Emery’s side will also compete against Club Brugge, Fenerbahce, Viking, and Slavia Prague.
Elsewhere, Manchester United marks their return to the Champions League after a two-year hiatus with a schedule featuring Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Roma, Sporting CP, RB Leipzig, Villarreal, Sabah, and Como. Liverpool’s campaign will see them host Atletico Madrid, Porto, Villarreal, and Lens, with away matches against Inter Milan, Club Brugge, Fenerbahce, and LASK.
The league phase is scheduled to commence on September 8, concluding with the final round of matches on January 27. The official fixture schedule is expected to be released on Saturday, August 29.
