Trent Alexander-Arnold will return to Anfield sooner than expected after Real Madrid were drawn to face Liverpool in the Champions League league phase. The right-back left Liverpool on a free transfer this summer after 20 years at the club, a move that drew boos from fans in his final months. The reunion is one of several notable ties from the expanded draw, which now features 36 teams and eight league-phase opponents.
Kevin De Bruyne will also revisit Manchester City when his Napoli side travel to the Etihad, while Harry Kane faces Arsenal again with Bayern Munich. Liverpool will host both Madrid clubs, with Atlético also visiting Merseyside. Arne Slot's side beat Real 2-0 last November, and he called the rematch “a fixture that the whole world will be looking at”.
Manchester City face Real yet again, having met 10 times in the past five years. City's director of football Hugo Viana welcomed De Bruyne's return. Chelsea meet Barcelona, Benfica, and Ajax at home, while Arsenal host Kane's Bayern. Tottenham travel to Bodø/Glimt, and Newcastle host Barcelona and Benfica. The first fixtures begin 16 September.
