The Champions League league phase draw has been made, with the six English teams taking part in the tournament discovering their fate as a number of blockbuster matches await.
Trent Alexander-Arnold will return to Anfield with Real Madrid as Liverpool were handed a tricky draw that includes a trip to Inter and a home clash with Atletico Madrid, while Chelsea will take on Barcelona on their Champions League return.
Manchester City will once again play Real Madrid, while Kevin De Bruyne will return to the Etihad with Napoli, as Arsenal were paired with Bayern Munich and must also travel to the San Siro to take on last year’s beaten finalists Inter.
Tottenham Hotspur, winners in last year’s Europa League final, will take on holders Paris Saint-Germain in an immediate rematch of their recent Super Cup defeat, as well as another trip to Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt.
Newcastle United’s draw might be the hardest of the lot, as the Magpies host Barcelona and travel to PSG, and also play Benfica, Leverkusen, PSV, Marseille and Athletic Bilbao.
Follow all the latest updates from Monaco below
Champions League draw LIVE
- Trent Alexander to face Liverpool reunion with Real Madrid; Reds also play Inter and Atletico
- Chelsea draw Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Napoli on Champions League return
- Arsenal to also play Bayern Munich as well as Inter and Atletico in kind draw
- Manchester City to play Real Madrid and welcome Kevin De Bruyne's Napoli
- Tottenham face rematch with Paris Saint-Germain as well as Dortmund
- Newcastle handed blockbuster draw and take on Barcelona and PSG
Chelsea's Champions League draw
22:40 , Chris WilsonHere are Chelsea’s opponents:
Barcelona (H)
Bayern Munich (A)
Benfica (H)
Atalanta (A)
Ajax (H)
Napoli (A)
Pafos (H)
Qarabag (A)
Man City's Champions League draw
22:20 , Chris WilsonHere’s the full fixture list for Man City:
Dortmund (H)
Real Madrid (A)
Leverkusen (H)
Villarreal (A)
Napoli (H)
Bodo/Glimt (A)
Galatasaray (H)
AS Monaco (A)
Liverpool’s Champions League draw
22:00 , Chris WilsonHere are Liverpool’s opponents:
Real Madrid (H)
Inter Milan (A)
Atletico Madrid (H)
Frankfurt (A)
PSV (H)
Marseille (A)
Qarabag (H)
Galatasaray (A)
Arsenal’s Champions League draw
21:40 , Chris WilsonHere’s the full list of Arsenal games then:
Bayern Munich (H)
Inter (A)
Atletico Madrid (H)
Club Brugge (A)
Olympiacos (H)
Slavia Praha (A)
Kairat (H)
Athletic Bilbao (A)
Five blockbuster fixtures from the league phase
21:20 , Chris WilsonPSG vs Bayern Munich
Any match involving the holders against another big European side is sure to attract plenty of neutrals. While we’ve seen the rise of PSG and their undeniable quality, Bayern remain something of an unknown quantity this season, though if they can improve then they are always capable of challenging the best sides.
Neutrals could be treated to a great game between these two sides if the Bavarians can catch PSG at the right time, though if it comes too early then it could be lop-sided in PSG’s favour.
Five blockbuster fixtures from the league phase
21:00 , Chris WilsonReal Madrid vs Manchester City
This pairing is another that has been thrown together a ridiculous number of times in recent seasons, with Los Blancos knocking out City in the knockout play-offs round last term.
That 6-3 win was a damaging one for City but Madrid later fell to Arsenal, and with both clubs looking to prove a point this season amid uncertainty over how they will fare, we could see fireworks again between these two recent giants.
Five blockbuster fixtures from the league phase
20:40 , Chris WilsonArsenal vs Bayern Munich
Arsenal and Bayern have created something of a rivalry across their various knockout-round meetings over the last decade or so, though it was Bayern who won the most recent meeting, beating the Gunners in the quarter-finals in 2024/25.
Though this meeting comes early in the season, it pits a settled Arsenal side against a developing Bayern team, with plenty of chance for Arsenal to get some revenge on their Bavarian tormentors.
Five blockbuster fixtures from the league phase
20:20 , Chris WilsonReal Madrid vs Liverpool
These two sides faced off in the league phase last season, with Liverpool running out 2-0 winners as they stormed the league phase table. However, this season’s meeting will have added tension as Trent Alexander-Arnold faces his old club, potentially returning to Anfield for the first time since his move.
With Madrid having made changes under Xabi Alonso and Liverpool adapting with new signings, this is another match that is sure to entertain the neutral.
Trent Alexander-Arnold faces Liverpool return with Real Madrid as Champions League draw revealed
20:00 , Chris WilsonTrent Alexander-Arnold faces the tantalising prospect of a first return to Anfield since his frosty exit after Real Madrid drew Liverpool in the league phase of the Champions League.
Alexander-Arnold, 26, departed his boyhood club after 20 years in June, a decision that was met with hostility from Reds fans. After announcing his intention to leave at the end of his contract, he was booed his own supporters in his next appearance at Anfield, although received a warmer reception on the final day of the season as Liverpool lifted the Premier League.
He moved to Real Madrid for a fee of £10m, with Los Blancos opting to splash the extra cash to secure his services in time for the Club World Cup.
Five blockbuster fixtures from the league phase
19:40 , Chris WilsonParis Saint-Germain vs Barcelona
The standout fixture in the league phase will likely be PSG’s meeting with Barcelona, with plenty of fans having hoped that this exact match would be the final last season.
This match pits Europe’s most entertaining sides against each other, with plenty of storylines including Luis Enrique facing his old club and two drastically different styles facing off, and even with less jeopardy it is one fixture that is guaranteed to attract a big audience.
City to face De Bruyne, Liverpool to face Alexander-Arnold
19:30 , Chris WilsonTwo familiar faces will play their old sides in the league phase as Manchester City host Napoli and Liverpool host Real Madrid.
Kevin De Bruyne and Trent Alexander-Arnold will face their old clubs for the first time since their summer moves.
Uefa announces major change to Champions League final
19:20 , Chris WilsonThe 2026 Champions League final will kick off three hours earlier than the 2025 edition as Uefa confirms a major change to its showpiece decider.
Last year’s encounter between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milanbegan at 9pm local time (8pm BST) in Munich, but next year’s final at Puskas Arena in Budapest is scheduled for 6pm local time (5pm BST) in a significant alteration.
Uefa has suggested that the decision has been made to “enhance the overall matchday experience” for fans, teams and host cities, noting that games extending deep into Saturday night have posed logistical challenges in the past.
Tottenham 2025/26 Champions League fixtures: Spurs’ opponents revealed after draw
19:03 , Chris WilsonTottenham Hotspur are back in the Champions League after winning the Europa League last season and face an immediate rematch with Paris Saint-Germain after their recent Super Cup defeat to the holders.
Spurs endured a terrible campaign in the league but triumphed over Manchester United in the final to claim their place in Europe’s premier tournament.
The trophy wasn’t enough to save Ange Postecoglou’s job and so Thomas Frank is the manager who gets to lead the team into this season’s Champions League, as Spurs take part in the new format for the first time since the competition was revamped.
Tottenham have begun well in the Premier League under their new head coach and will hope to carry that form into their European adventure.
Newcastle 2025/26 Champions League fixtures: Opponents revealed after blockbuster draw
18:56 , Chris WilsonNewcastle are back in the Champions League and have been handed a mouthwatering draw that includes ties against Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.
Having secured qualification with a fifth-place Premier League finish last season, Eddie Howe’s side will be hoping to last longer in the Champions League this time around after their group-stage exit two years ago.
The face similarly tough opposition this time out and the club’s subpar transfer window - with numerous major targets choosing rival clubs over them and wantaway striker Alexander Isak refusing to play - means they could be in an uphill battle to remain in the competition right from the off.
Chelsea 2025/26 Champions League fixtures: Opponents revealed after tough draw
18:50 , Chris WilsonChelsea make their return to the Champions League after a two-year absence and will play Barcelona and Bayern Munich in blockbuster ties following a summer of success on the European and world stage.
The Blues pipped Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa to a place in the Premier League’s top-five last season to confirm their automatic qualification for Europe’s top club competition.
But it was followed by Enzo Maresca’s side winning the Conference League and then triumphing at the Club World Cup, where they defeated European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the final.
The 2021 Champions League winners return to the competition with a completely different team to the one that last reached the quarter-finals in 2023, with Cole Palmer set to star in the tournament for the first time.
Chelsea 2025/26 Champions League fixtures revealed after tough draw
Liverpool 2025/26 Champions League fixtures: Opponents revealed after nightmare league phase draw
18:36 , Chris WilsonLiverpool have learned their upcoming Champions League opponents after the league phase draw and will welcome Trent Alexander-Arnold and Real Madrid back to Anfield in a blockbuster draw for the six-time European champions.
Arne Slot’s side topped the Champions League standings after last year’s inaugural league phase, but their European campaign ultimately ended in disappointment after a quarter-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties.
It remained a memorable year for the Reds, of course, as they lifted the Premier League title for just the second time in 30 years, which can add to Liverpool’s belief as they return to the Champions League under Slot.
Liverpool have spent big over a summer of immense change at Anfield, with Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez among those recruited while the Premier League champions consider an improved bid for Alexander Isak.
Nightmare Liverpool Champions League fixtures revealed after 2025/26 draw
Man City 2025/26 Champions League fixtures: Opponents revealed after league phase draw
18:31 , Chris WilsonManchester City will be hoping for improved results in this season’s Champions League as a new-look squad returns to the competition.
City finished 22nd in the inaugural Champions League league phase last season, scraping through to a knockout play-off only on the final match-day.
Amid a difficult winter for Pep Guardiola’s side, City were then knocked out by old rivals Real Madrid in their earliest Champions League exit since 2013.
With Kevin De Bruyne departing over the summer and the likes of Tijjani Reijnders and Ryan Cherki arriving, Guardiola will expect his team to go much further this season, and the Cityzens will face their old talisman again as they welcome Napoli to Manchester.
Arsenal 2025/26 Champions League fixtures: Opponents revealed after kind draw
18:30 , Chris WilsonArsenal suffered heartache in their pursuit of a first men’s Champions League title last season and now look to go one step better under Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners reached the semi-finals for just the second time, losing to eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 on aggregate - leading to Arteta’s surprise assessment that they had been the best team in the Champions League that year.
But after a summer of big spending, which has seen Arsenal sign Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze and Martin Zubimendi in a £250m spree, there are more expectations on Arteta’s side this season and there will be no excuses if they fall short of a major honour this season.
Arsenal finished third in the new-look league phase last season, with an impressive six wins from their eight games, and have now found out their opponents for the upcoming campaign, along with the five other English teams in the draw.
Arsenal 2025/26 Champions League fixtures revealed after kind draw
Champions League league phase dates
18:25 , Chris WilsonThe first Champions League week will be played across Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
The next six will only be played across Tuesday and Wednesday. But the final matchday will be played on one night on Wednesday 28 January 2026, with all 18 matches kicking off at the same time.
Matchday 1: 16–18 September 2025
Matchday 2: 30 September–1 October 2025
Matchday 3: 21/22 October 2025
Matchday 4: 4/5 November 2025
Matchday 5: 25/26 November 2025
Matchday 6: 9/10 December 2025
Matchday 7: 20/21 January 2026
Matchday 8: 28 January 2026
When are Champions League fixtures released?
18:15 , Chris WilsonScheduling the 36-team Champions League format, played across eight gameweeks from September to January, is a huge logistical challenge and therefore club’s fixtures and kick-off times have yet to be announced.
But Uefa has assured fans that the fixture list and kick-off times will be released no later than Saturday 30 August.
Champions League draw LIVE
18:12 , Chris WilsonThat marks the end of the draw, so we’ll bring you some reaction and a round-up of the match dates, big games and fixtures for Premier League sides.
Champions League draw LIVE
18:09 , Chris WilsonNewcomers Kairat are the final side drawn. They will face:
Real Madrid
Inter
Club Brugge
Arsenal
Olympiacos
Sporting
Pafos
Copenhagen
Champions League draw LIVE
18:08 , Chris WilsonCopenhagen are the penultimate team out.
They take on:
Dortmund
Barcelona
Leverkusen
Villarreal
Napoli
Spurs
Kairat
Qarabag
Champions League draw LIVE
18:07 , Chris WilsonPafos, one of the new sides, will face:
Bayern
Chelsea
Villarreal
Juventus
Slavia
Olympiacos
Monaco
Kairat
Champions League draw LIVE
18:07 , Chris WilsonUnion SG face:
Inter
Bayern
Atalanta
Atletico
Marseille
PSV
Newcastle
Galatasaray
Champions League draw LIVE
18:06 , Chris WilsonNewcastle are out! They’ll be facing:
Barcelona
PSG
Benfica
Leverkusen
PSV
Marseille
Bilbao
Union SG
Champions League draw LIVE
18:05 , Chris WilsonGalatasaray face:
Liverpool
Man City
Atletico
Frankfurt
Bodo/Glimt
Ajax
Union SG
AS Monaco
Champions League draw LIVE
18:04 , Chris WilsonAS Monaco face:
Man City
Real Madrid
Juventus
Brugge
Spurs
Bodo/Glimt
Galatasaray
Pafos
Champions League draw LIVE
18:04 , Chris WilsonQarabag will take on:
Chelsea
Liverpool
Frankfurt
Benfica
Ajax
Napoli
Copenhagen
Bilbao
Champions League draw LIVE
18:03 , Chris WilsonPot four now, with only a few matches remaining.
Bilbao will face:
PSG
Dortmund
Arsenal
Atalanta
Sporting
Slavia
Qarabag
Newcastle
Champions League draw LIVE
18:02 , Chris WilsonPSV came out earlier too, and they will face:
Bayern
Liverpool
Atletico
Leverkusen
Napoli
Olympiacos
Union SG
Newcastle
Champions League draw LIVE
18:01 , Chris WilsonNapoli are the last team from Pot 3. They will face:
Chelsea
Man City
Frankfurt
Benfica
Sporting
PSV
Qarabag
Copenhagen
Champions League draw LIVE
18:00 , Chris WilsonSlavia are the penultimate team out. They’ll face:
Barcelona
Inter
Arsenal
Atalanta
Bodo/Glimt
Spurs
Bilbao
Pafos
Champions League draw LIVE
17:59 , Chris WilsonAjax will have to face:
Inter
Chelsea
Benfica
Villarreal
Olympiacos
Marseille
Galatasaray
Qarabag
Champions League draw LIVE
17:58 , Chris WilsonOlympiacos will take on:
Real Madrid
Barcelona
Leverkusen
Arsenal
PSV
Ajax
Pafos
Kairat
Champions League draw LIVE
17:57 , Chris WilsonSporting CP will face:
PSG
Bayern
Brugge
Juventus
Marseille
Napoli
Kairat
Bilbao
Champions League draw LIVE
17:56 , Chris WilsonBodo/Glimt will be facing:
Man City
Dortmund
Juventus
Atletico
Spurs
Slavia
AS Monaco
Galatasaray
Champions League draw LIVE
17:55 , Chris WilsonSpurs are next out of pot three. They’re going to be facing:
Dortmund
PSG
Villarreal
Frankfurt
Slavia Praha
Bodo/Glimt
Copenhagen
AS Monaco
Champions League draw LIVE
17:55 , Chris WilsonMarseille are the first team out of pot 3. They will take on:
Liverpool
Real Madrid
Atalanta
Brugge
Ajax
Sporting
Newcastle
Union SG
Champions League draw LIVE
17:50 , Chris WilsonVillarreal come out last from pot 2. They will face:
Man City
Dortmund
Juventus
Leverkusen
Ajax
Tottenham
Copenhagen
Pafos
Champions League draw LIVE
17:50 , Chris WilsonAtletico come out next, to face:
Inter
Liverpool
Frankfurt
Arsenal
Bodo/Glimt
PSV
Union SG
Galatasaray
Champions League draw LIVE
17:49 , Chris WilsonJuventus are drawn out next. They’re going to face:
Dortmund
Real Madrid
Benfica
Villarreal
Sporting
Bodo/Glimt
Pafos
AS Monaco
Champions League draw LIVE
17:48 , Chris WilsonEintracht Frankfurt are next out, and they’ll face:
Liverpool
Barcelona
Atalanta
Atletico
Spurs
Napoli
Galatasaray
Qarabag
Champions League draw LIVE
17:47 , Chris WilsonClub Brugge, who beat Rangers in the play-off, will face:
Barcelona
Bayern
Arsenal
Atalanta
Marseille
Sporting CP
AS Monaco
Kairat
Champions League draw LIVE
17:46 , Chris WilsonBenfica will face:
Real Madrid
Chelsea
Leverkusen
Juventus
Napoli
Ajax
Qarabag
Newcastle
Champions League draw LIVE
17:45 , Chris WilsonAtalanta next! They’re up against:
Chelsea
PSG
Brugge
Eintracht Frankfurt
Slavia Praha
Marseille
Bilbao
Union SG
Champions League draw LIVE
17:44 , Chris WilsonArsenal are next out, and they’ll play:
Bayern Munich
Inter Milan
Atletico Madrid
Brugge
Olympiacos
Slavia Praha
Kairat
Athletic Bilbao
Champions League draw LIVE
17:44 , Chris WilsonLeverkusen are the first side out of pot 2.
They will face:
PSG
Manchester City
Villarreal
Benfica
PSV
Olympiacos
Newcastle
Copenhagen
Champions League draw LIVE
17:40 , Chris WilsonManchester City are the final side to come from pot one.
They will face:
Dortmund
Real Madrid
Leverkusen
Villarreal
Napoli
Bodo/Glimt
Galatasaray
AS Monaco
Champions League draw LIVE
17:39 , Chris WilsonHolders PSG are the penultimate side to be drawn.
They’ll face:
Bayern Munich
Barcelona
Atalanta
Leverkusen
Tottenham
Sporting
Newcastle
Athletic Bilbao
Champions League draw LIVE
17:38 , Chris WilsonBarcelona will face:
PSG
Chelsea
Frankfurt
Club Brugge
Olympiacos
Slavia Prague
Copenhagen
Newcastle
Champions League draw LIVE
17:37 , Chris WilsonLiverpool are drawn next, though they know their pot one opponents.
Real Madrid
Inter
Atletico Madrid
Frankfurt
PSV
Marseille
Qarabag
Galatasaray
Champions League draw LIVE
17:36 , Chris WilsonDortmund are up next, with some interesting games:
Inter
Man City
Villarreal
Juventus
Bodo/Glimt
Spurs
Bilbao
Copenhagen
Champions League draw LIVE
17:35 , Chris WilsonInter are up next, facing:
Liverpool H
Dortmund A
Arsenal H
Atletico A
Slavia Praha H
Ajax A
Kairat H
Union SG A
Champions League draw LIVE
17:34 , Chris WilsonReal Madrid, the most successful side in the competition, are drawn third.
They will face:
Manchester City H
Liverpool A
Juventus H
Benfica A
Marseille H
Olympiacos A
AS Monaco H
Kairat A
Champions League draw LIVE
17:33 , Chris WilsonChelsea are next up. They will play:
Barcelona H
Bayern A
Benfica H
Atalanta A
Ajax H
Napoli A
Pafos H
Qarabag A
Champions League draw LIVE
17:32 , Chris WilsonBayern Munich are the first team drawn.
The button is pressed and the opponents are:
Chelsea H
PSG
Brugge
Arsenal A
Sporting
PSV
Union SG
Pafos
Champions League draw LIVE
17:30 , Chris WilsonThe Pot One promo video has been shown, and now Ibrahimovic will draw each club.
How does the draw work?
17:28 , Chris Wilson36 teams are divided in four pots.
The draw determines the eight opponents for each teams. Computer software selects two eligible teams from each pot, with teams from the same country unable to face each other.
Teams can face a maximum of two opponents from each country.
The software acts as each ball is drawn.
Once a valid draw has been conducted for each side, the home and away ties are assigned.
Champions League draw LIVE
17:25 , Chris WilsonWe’re close to being underway as the hosts welcome the newcomers to the competition, including Union SG and Kazakh side Kairat, who beat Celtic on penalties to qualify.
Champions League draw LIVE
17:20 , Chris WilsonIbrahimovic looks even more pleased as the hosts announce Kaka as a Champions League, World Cup and Ballon d’Or winner.
The Brazilian will presumably help conduct the draw if it does ever begin.
Champions League draw LIVE
17:18 , Chris WilsonSome fawning over Ibrahimovic from the hosts, as they awkwardly ask him about his favourite ever goals because they can’t ask him what it feels like to win the Champions League.
He collects the president award from Aleksander Ceferin.
Champions League draw LIVE
17:14 , Chris WilsonThe award is followed by a frankly ridiculous promotional video for the league phase format, involving Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Claudio Ranieri.
Full of typical Zlatan gags and some self-praise for the new format, so nothing new.
Here we go again...@Ibra_official pic.twitter.com/D7dt4hHm3K
— UEFA (@UEFA) August 28, 2025
Chelsea given special award
17:08 , Chris WilsonChelsea are presented with an award for being the first club to win all six Uefa trophies – the Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, Super Cup - as well as the defunct Cup Winners Cup and Uefa Cup, as well as the Youth League!
Champions League draw LIVE
17:04 , Chris WilsonThe ceremony is underway. All of the usual introductions taking place now, before a couple of awards are handed out.
A reminder that we’re not expecting the first balls to be drawn until 5:30pm or so.
Champions League 2025/26 league phase pots
16:50 , Chris WilsonAnd here’s a reminder of the pots, with the draw ceremony getting underway in about 10 minutes.
Pot 1: PSG, Real Madrid, Man City, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona
Pot 3: Tottenham, PSV, Ajax, Napoli, Sporting, Olympiacos, Slavia Prague, Bodo/Glimt, Marseille
Pot 4: Copenhagen, Monaco, Galatasaray, Union Saint-Gilloise, Qarabag, Athletic Club, Newcastle, Pafos, Kairat.
How does the league phase draw work?
16:40 , Chris WilsonThe league phase has 36 teams with every team handed eight games. The 36 teams are split into four pots of eight teams based on their Uefa coefficient, with the opponents generated by automated software.
The opponents then come from each pot, with two teams selected from each, one home and one away.
Teams cannot play another team from the same country and are not permitted to face more than two teams from one country.
Those finishing inside the top eight go straight into the last 16, then the next 16 teams advance to the play-off stage, with eight of those 16 teams progressing to the last 16.
When is the UCL draw?
16:30 , Chris WilsonWith around half an hour left until the draw begins, a reminder of when it is and how to watch.
The draw will be held in Monaco on Thursday, 28 August and begins at 5pm BST (6pm CET). The first balls will be drawn at around 5:30pm.
How to watch the Champions League draw
Uefa and TNT Sports will both offer a free live stream on their websites and YouTube channels.
When is the Europa League 2025/26 league phase draw?
16:25 , Chris WilsonThe draw for the Europa and Conference League league phases will be held in Monaco tomorrow, Friday, 29 August, with the ceremony beginning at 12pm BST.
The draw for the Europa League will take place first, with the Conference League following.
How did Premier League sides qualify?
16:15 , Chris WilsonTottenham are the final Premier League representative in this season’s competition, with the club securing a place in the 2025/26 edition after winning the 2025 Europa League final against Manchester United in Bilbao.
A first-half goal from Brennan Johnson was enough to give Tottenham the win in a forgettable match, though Spurs fans won’t forget it in a hurry after winning their first trophy for 17 years!
How did Premier League sides qualify?
16:07 , Chris WilsonIn a similar vein, Newcastle also qualified by virtue of their league position, though they came fifth in the Premier League.
Uefa awards an extra place in the Champions League to the two countries with the highest co-efficient rating each season.
The rating is earned by adding up the ‘points’ every side from a country obtains in European competition, and then dividing that number by the number of sides participating. Two points are awarded for a win, and one for a draw (with various bonuses added depending on club progression).
Last season, England and Spain were awarded the extra places, with Newcastle and Villarreal taking them.
How did Premier League sides qualify?
16:00 , Chris WilsonAs always, the top four in the Premier League automatically qualified for the league phase of the competition, with champions Liverpool taking a place alongside Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea.
Champions League draw LIVE
15:51 , Chris WilsonA reminder that the ceremony starts in around five minutes, though there’s plenty of pageantry.
We’re expecting the first balls to be drawn around 5.30pm BST.
Who could the British sides face?
15:50 , Chris WilsonThe main rule ahead of the draw is that clubs from the same country can’t face each other, but other than that you can draw pretty much any of the rest of the teams in the competition, even those in your own pot.
The other rule is that you can only face teams from the same country twice in the league phase.
With that in mind, Liverpool, City and Chelsea could face any of PSG, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund or Barcelona from Pot One, as well as Bayer Leverkusen, Atletico Madrid, Benfica, Atalanta, Villarreal, Juventus, Eintracht Frankfurt and Club Brugge from Pot Two.
The other three Premier League clubs could all face the same opposition from the top two pots.
Alan Shearer’s problem with Alexander Isak and why it goes beyond Newcastle loyalties
15:40 , Chris WilsonWith Newcastle about to find out their Champions League fate, Will Castle spoke to club legend Alan Shearer about the club’s summer transfer saga:
When Alan Shearer left Blackburn Rovers in 1995 to secure a world-record transfer to his boyhood club, he did not have to go on strike. “I did sign a new contract the year before I left, but I knew the relationship I had with Blackburn that if I ever wanted to leave, then that was the scenario.” He had the word of Rovers owner Jack Walker and hence when the opportunity to move to Newcastle – or Manchester United – arose, Shearer was allowed to make the jump.
Three decades on, such an amicable exit involving the Magpies and a record transfer fee has not occurred.
Alexander Isak has made his intention to leave Newcastle clear, insisting he has no desire to reintegrate into Eddie Howe’s team as he tries to force a move to Liverpool. The Swede has since refused to train with the team and spoken of “broken promises” over a possible departure in an explosive social media statement.
Alan Shearer’s problem with Alexander Isak and why it goes beyond Newcastle loyalties
Abysmal Rangers hit for six as Scots crash out of Champions League
15:30 , Chris WilsonRussell Martin's tenure at Rangers FC continues on its disastrous downward spiral with a humiliating Champions League play-off defeat to Club Brugge in Belgium, 6-0 on the night and 9-1 on aggregate.
The Light Blues faced a monumental task after losing 3-1 in the first leg at Ibrox and were a goal down after just five minutes from a Nicolo Tresoldi header before Gers right-back Max Aarons was shown a straight red card three minutes later for hauling back Christos Tzolis.
As the 10-man Govan side spectacularly capitulated, goals from captain Hans Vanaken, Joaquin Seys -twice - and Aleksandar Stankovic had the home side five up at the break.
Abysmal Rangers hit for six as Scottish side crash out of Champions League
Celtic crash out of Champions League qualifying as transfer gamble backfires
15:15 , Chris WilsonCeltic FC manager Brendan Rodgers struggled to mask his frustration over the club's Champions League play-off preparations after a shoot-out defeat against Kairat Almaty consigned them to the Europa League.
A failure to invest in attacking options came back to haunt Celtic during a goalless 210 minutes against the team from Kazakhstan and Rodgers hinted the club had manufactured their own stress.
Daizen Maeda, last season's top goalscorer, missed a glorious chance in the 86th minute before Celtic belatedly dominated in extra-time without finding the breakthrough.
Celtic crash out of Champions League qualifying as transfer gamble backfires
Uefa announces major change to Champions League final
15:00 , Chris WilsonThe 2026 Champions League final will kick off three hours earlier than the 2025 edition as Uefa confirms a major change to its showpiece decider.
Last year’s encounter between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan began at 9pm local time (8pm BST) in Munich, but next year’s final at Puskas Arena in Budapest is scheduled for 6pm local time (5pm BST) in a significant alteration.
Uefa has suggested that the decision has been made to “enhance the overall matchday experience” for fans, teams and host cities, noting that games extending deep into Saturday night have posed logistical challenges in the past.
Champions League 2025/26 matchdays
14:50 , Chris WilsonMatchday 1: 16–18 September 2025
Matchday 2: 30 September–1 October 2025
Matchday 3: 21/22 October 2025
Matchday 4: 4/5 November 2025
Matchday 5: 25/26 November 2025
Matchday 6: 9/10 December 2025
Matchday 7: 20/21 January 2026
Matchday 8: 28 January 2026
Knockout phase play-offs: 17/18 & 24/25 February 2026
Round of 16: 10/11 & 17/18 March 2026
Quarter-finals: 7/8 & 14/15 April 2026
Semi-finals: 28/29 April & 5/6 May 2026
Final: 30 May 2026 (Budapest)
Champions League 2025/26 league phase pots
14:40 , Chris WilsonPot 1: PSG, Real Madrid, Man City, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona
Pot 3: Tottenham, PSV, Ajax, Napoli, Sporting, Olympiacos, Slavia Prague, Bodo/Glimt, Marseille
Pot 4: Copenhagen, Monaco, Galatasaray, Union Saint-Gilloise, Qarabag, Athletic Club, Newcastle, Pafos, Kairat.
How does the league phase draw work?
14:30 , Chris WilsonThe league phase has 36 teams with every team handed eight games. The 36 teams are split into four pots of eight teams based on their Uefa coefficient, with the opponents generated by automated software.
The opponents then come from each pot, with two teams selected from each, one home and one away.
Teams cannot play another team from the same country and are not permitted to face more than two teams from one country.
Those finishing inside the top eight go straight into the last 16, then the next 16 teams advance to the play-off stage, with eight of those 16 teams progressing to the last 16.
When is the Champions League draw?
14:20 , Chris WilsonThe draw will be held in Monaco on Thursday, 28 August and begins at 5pm BST (6pm CET). The first balls will be drawn at around 5:30pm.
How to watch the Champions League draw
Uefa and TNT Sports will both offer a free live stream on their websites and YouTube channels.
Champions League draw
14:10 , Chris WilsonLiverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Club World Cup champions Chelsea, Newcastle and Europa League winners Tottenham will be in the draw, along with holders Paris Saint-Germain.
The Gunners reached the semi-finals last term, losing out to PSG 3-1 on aggregate after thrashing both PSV and Real Madrid before their final four exit.
And Luis Enrique’s side went on to thump Inter Milan 5-0 in the final and have since edged past Spurs on penalties in the Uefa Super Cup earlier this month, denying Thomas Frank a trophy in his first game in charge.
Absent will be Celtic after their play-off round defeat to Kazakhstan’s Kairat, while Rangers are also out after a thrashing by Club Brugge on Wednesday night.
Good afternoon
13:58 , Chris WilsonHello and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of tonight’s Champions League league phase draw.
Six Premier League clubs will find out their opponents across the opening eight games of the competition, with Liverpool, Arsenal, City, Chelsea, Newcastle and Spurs all eager to find out how difficult their routes to the knockout rounds are.
And we’ll have all the latest updates from Monaco right here.
