Champions League draw: 8 talking points as league phase fixtures are confirmed

The 2026/2027 Champions League league phase draw took place on Thursday evening, unveiling several notable matchups. One significant fixture is the encounter between Real Madrid and Arsenal at the Emirates, featuring Vinicius Junior in action. Another intriguing matchup sees Harry Kane returning to north London, joining Bayern Munich in a clash with Arsenal, the team that eliminated Bayern from the Champions League quarter-finals in 2024.

Diego Simeone will face Liverpool again, this time leading Atletico Madrid, following a controversial incident with the Anfield crowd in September 2025. In another match, Curtis Jones will host Liverpool as Inter Milan takes on Liverpool in the league phase. Mourinho returns to Stamford Bridge for a match against Real Madrid, who will play Shakhtar Donetsk at the Bridge in West London.

Former Manchester United manager Cesc Fabregas will oversee Como in a clash against Manchester United. Aston Villa and Manchester City will both face PSG and Barcelona in the league phase, with Unai Emery facing his former side, Barcelona, once more following their UEFA Super Cup defeat. Lastly, Rodri will reunite with Manchester City under Enzo Maresca as they travel to Barcelona's Camp Nou.