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| Underdog teams Champions League |
The stage is set. The spotlight is shining. Europe’s most prestigious club competition — the UEFA Champions League — is back for the 2025/26 season, and it promises to be one of the most thrilling editions yet. The draw, held in the glamorous city of Monaco, delivered an extraordinary mix of fixtures that football fans will be talking about for months.
From heavyweight clashes between historical giants to the rise of underdogs looking to challenge the establishment, this season’s Champions League is brimming with intrigue.
A New Era for European Football
The Champions League underwent a major structural change last season, shifting away from its decades-old group-stage format. Instead of 32 clubs divided into groups of four, the competition now includes 36 teams in a single league phase.
Each team plays 8 matches — four at home, four away.
There are no repeat opponents in the league phase.
The top 8 teams qualify directly for the Round of 16.
Clubs finishing 9th–24th go into a playoff round.
Teams placed 25th–36th are eliminated from Europe altogether.
This “Swiss-style” system ensures that the world’s best clubs face a wider variety of opponents, creating more blockbuster nights and fewer “dead rubber” games. Every fixture counts, every point matters, and every goal could be the difference between glory and heartbreak.
Draw Highlights: Who Plays Who?
This year’s draw has produced some incredible matchups that guarantee drama and excitement:
Real Madrid vs Manchester City, Juventus, Benfica, Marseille, Monaco, Olympiacos, Kairat
Barcelona vs Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Eintracht Frankfurt, Club Brugge, Olympiacos, Slavia Prague, Copenhagen, Newcastle United
Liverpool vs Inter Milan, Atlético Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal, Frankfurt, Ajax, Slavia Prague, Qarabag, Galatasaray
Inter Milan vs Liverpool, Manchester City, Juventus, Dortmund, Atlético, Ajax, Kairat, Union Saint-Gilloise
Bayern Munich vs Barcelona, Chelsea, PSG, Arsenal, Sporting Lisbon, Benfica, Atalanta, Ajax, Napoli, Pafos, Qarabag
Manchester City vs Real Madrid, Inter, Villarreal, Juventus, Dortmund, Galatasaray, Monaco, Bodø/Glimt
Paris Saint-Germain vs Barcelona, Bayern, Chelsea, Arsenal, Sporting, Brugge, Newcastle, Athletic Bilbao
Chelsea vs Barcelona, Bayern, PSG, Benfica, Sporting, Atalanta, Ajax, Napoli, Pafos, Qarabag
Atlético Madrid vs Liverpool, Inter, Dortmund, Arsenal, Frankfurt, Marseille, Qarabag, Galatasaray
It’s a lineup that looks more like the quarterfinals or semifinals of the old format — except this time, these massive encounters will happen in the early stages of the competition.
1. Can PSG Defend Their Crown?
Last season, Paris Saint-Germain finally ended their long wait for European glory, destroying Inter Milan 5-0 in a stunning final at the Munich Arena. With Kylian Mbappé now firmly in his prime and a squad filled with world-class talent, PSG will look to prove their triumph was no one-off.
2. Real Madrid vs Manchester City: The Modern Rivalry
Whenever Real Madrid and Manchester City meet, sparks fly. Madrid, the competition’s most successful club with 14 titles, are desperate to reclaim dominance. City, meanwhile, are determined to cement their modern dynasty. Their clash could easily be a preview of this year’s final.
3. The English Contenders: Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City
England boasts an incredible four teams in the competition, each with its own narrative.
Liverpool are rebuilding but remain dangerous under Jürgen Klopp.
Arsenal continue their resurgence under Mikel Arteta, hungry for a deep run.
Chelsea, despite domestic struggles, thrive in European competitions.
Man City are the reigning powerhouse, with Pep Guardiola always hungry for more.
4. The German Powerhouses: Bayern and Dortmund
Bayern Munich are perennial contenders, but their path looks brutal with matches against Barcelona, PSG, Chelsea, and Arsenal. Borussia Dortmund, meanwhile, face old rivals in Liverpool, Inter, and Atlético. Could German teams surprise once again?
5. Dark Horses and Underdogs
The beauty of the new format lies in the rise of lesser-known clubs. Union Saint-Gilloise, Kairat, Pafos, Qarabag, Bodø/Glimt — all have the chance to shock the footballing world by upsetting giants on the biggest stage.
Players to Watch
Kylian Mbappé (PSG): Can the French superstar lead his team to back-to-back titles?
Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid): A midfield leader at just 22, he has become Los Blancos’ heartbeat.
Erling Haaland (Man City): The most feared striker in Europe will be key to City’s ambitions.
Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich): A generational talent who thrives under pressure.
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): Still a decisive force in big games.
What’s Next?
UEFA will announce the official fixture list and match calendar by Saturday, August 30. Fans should prepare for an action-packed autumn, with every matchday serving up clashes worthy of a final.
The Champions League has always been about magic, drama, and unforgettable nights. With its new format, the competition has become even more unpredictable. This year, every match is a heavyweight battle, every point is precious, and every team — from PSG to Qarabag — has a chance to write history.
As the anthem rings out and the ball begins to roll, one question will dominate the minds of millions: Who will conquer Europe in 2026?