A simulated draw for the 2026/27 Champions League league phase has produced blockbuster fixtures for the five Premier League clubs involved, including a repeat of last season's final for Arsenal and a trip to Real Madrid for Manchester City.
The real draw takes place on Thursday August 27 at 6pm CET (5pm UK time), with match dates and kick-off times confirmed by Saturday at the latest. The first league phase matches are scheduled for September 8. Each club will face two opponents from each of the four pots, as has been the case since the competition introduced its new league phase system.
Arsenal face PSG and Atletico rematch
Arsenal, who lost last season's final to Paris Saint-Germain, are handed a trip to the Parc des Princes in the simulation, as well as a home game against Atletico Madrid in gameweek two - a rematch of their 4-0 win over Atleti last season. Their other opponents are Real Betis and Porto from pot two, Napoli and Shakhtar from pot three, and Como and the winner of AEK Athens vs Levski Sofia from pot four. Shakhtar will play their home games at Stamford Bridge this term.
Manchester City start at Real Madrid
Manchester City's simulated first match under Enzo Maresca is away to Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, with Barcelona visiting in gameweek three. Pot two gives them Sporting CP and Borussia Dortmund, pot three Feyenoord and Bodo/Glimt, and pot four LASK and Stuttgart.
Manchester United draw Real Madrid and PSG
Manchester United, back in the competition under Michael Carrick, are given a home game against Real Madrid in gameweek five and a trip to Paris Saint-Germain, whom they beat famously in 2019. Their pot two opponents are Club Brugge and Porto, pot three Napoli and Bodo/Glimt, and pot four Slavia Prague and LASK.
Aston Villa and Liverpool learn simulated fate
Aston Villa, who finished fourth in the league and won the Europa League, are drawn away to Inter Milan and at home to Barcelona on the final matchday. Pot two gives them Borussia Dortmund and Roma - a reunion with Donyell Malen - while pot three offers Lille and the winner of Lyon vs Fenerbahce. Pot four brings Stuttgart and the winner of Slovan Bratislava vs Celje.
Liverpool, now managed by Andoni Iraola's predecessor's successor (Arne Slot's successor), start away to Atletico Madrid in a repeat of last season's dramatic opener, with Inter Milan visiting Anfield. Pot two includes Roma and Real Betis, pot three Galatasaray and Lille, and pot four the winner of Slovan Bratislava vs Celje and Sabah of Azerbaijan, who are making their league phase debut.
