The draw for the new-format UEFA Champions League has set the stage for an exciting group stage, with holders Real Madrid facing Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund in a repeat of last season’s final. The revamped format features a single league stage, replacing the traditional group stage, with all 36 teams pooled together.
Real Madrid, who secured a record-extending 15th European Cup title last season, will kick off their campaign with a tough away fixture against Liverpool. The Spanish giants will also host Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan while traveling to Atalanta. Notably, Madrid defeated Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup earlier this month.
Liverpool, returning to the Champions League after a one-year absence, will be tested by fixtures against both Milan and debutants Girona. However, the draw also offers an intriguing matchup with Bayer Leverkusen, managed by former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso. The prospect of facing Alonso’s team is generating considerable excitement among Liverpool supporters.
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, who won the Champions League in 2023, have drawn Inter Milan at home and will visit Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus. The draw also pairs City with Club Brugge, Sparta Prague, and Slovan Bratislava, teams that have not competed in the modern Champions League format.
Other notable fixtures include Bayern Munich’s clashes with PSG and Barcelona, while Arsenal will take on Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.
The increased number of clubs in the Champions League, rising from 32 to 36, has led to the new league stage format. For the draw, the 36 teams were divided into four seeded pots of nine. Each team will face two opponents from each pot, playing one home and one away match.
The Champions League matches will commence on September 17, 18, and 19, setting the stage for a thrilling season of Europe’s elite club competition.
