The UEFA Champions League league phase draw has delivered a remarkably demanding path for Spanish clubs FC Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, Real Betis, and Villarreal, while offering a considerably smoother route for holders Real Madrid.
Holders Real Madrid Secure Favorable Route
Conducted ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, the draw mapped out eight fixtures for each side under the expanded European format, establishing a high-stakes road toward the knockout stages and the June 5 final at Madrid’s Estadio Metropolitano.
For Real Madrid, the tournament path begins with favorable early momentum after the club emerged as the first ball drawn. Manager Carlo Ancelotti’s squad avoided the heaviest hitters from Pot 1.
They secured home fixtures against Inter Milan, PSV Eindhoven, RB Leipzig, and LASK. Away trips will see them face Arsenal, AS Roma, Shakhtar Donetsk, and AEK Athens.
Barcelona and Atlético Face Heavyweight Clashes
Conversely, FC Barcelona faces a rigorous league phase calendar featuring a high-profile trip to Paris Saint-Germain. The match at the Parc des Princes carries added intrigue due to the presence of former Barça boss Luis Enrique and forward Ferran Torres.
Barcelona’s remaining fixtures pit them against Manchester City—where midfielder Rodri will face his former club—alongside home games against Aston Villa, Feyenoord, and Como. Away journeys await against Sporting CP, Galatasaray, and Sabah.
Atlético Madrid also confront a demanding slate of opponents in their bid to secure direct qualification to the round of 16.
Diego Simeone’s side will host Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Fenerbahçe, and Viking. They will travel to take on Liverpool, PSV Eindhoven, Bodø/Glimt, and VfB Stuttgart.
Return to Europe Marks Betis Challenge
Further down the Spanish representation, Real Betis returns to Europe’s premier club competition after a 20-year absence. They landed a punishing fixture list in their quest for a top-24 finish.
Manuel Pellegrini’s team will welcome Arsenal, Porto, Feyenoord, and Como to Andalusia. Meanwhile, they face away matches against Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Lille, and Slovan Bratislava.
Villarreal Seeks Rebound From Difficult Past
Villarreal, positioned in Pot 3 for the draw, aims to rebound from a difficult league phase last season. The Yellow Submarine will play Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Napoli, and Sabah at home.
Away fixtures are scheduled against Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund, Fenerbahçe, and Slavia Prague.
Expanded European Calendar Kicks Off in September
The eight matchdays of the league phase will commence on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, and run through January 27, 2027.
Exact dates and kickoff times for all fixtures are scheduled to be finalized by UEFA organizers.
