Sophia
The anticipation reached a fever pitch as European football’s most prestigious club competition, the UEFA Champions League, unveiled its 2025–26 league phase draw. Reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain face a formidable challenge to retain their crown, while powerhouses like Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Manchester City are set for captivating encounters.
The journey to this point has been a long and arduous one, beginning in early July with the first round of qualifying matches. A staggering 53 teams initially vied for a coveted spot in the league phase, with 42 entering via the Champions Path and 11 through the League Path. Ultimately, seven teams battled their way through the qualifiers to join the 29 already-qualified giants, completing the elite 36-team roster.
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A New Era: Six Premier League Teams in the Mix
A significant talking point for this season is the unprecedented presence of six Premier League teams in the Champions League. This reflects the growing dominance of English football on the European stage and promises even more thrilling matchups for fans.
Wednesday’s final qualifying clashes saw Benfica, Qarabağ, and Club Brugge secure their places by overcoming Fenerbahçe, Ferencváros, and Rangers, respectively. These victories paved the way for the grand draw, held in Monaco on Thursday afternoon.
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Legends Oversee the Unveiling
The draw ceremony itself was a star-studded affair, with football legends Zlatan Ibrahimović and Kaká gracing the stage to assist in the proceedings. Their presence added an extra layer of prestige to an already momentous occasion.
The draw has certainly delivered on its promise of excitement, setting the stage for colossal clashes involving European giants. Fans can look forward to epic encounters featuring Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Manchester City, while Barcelona, Chelsea, and Arsenal have also been drawn into intriguing ties.
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PSG’s Title Defense: A Steep Climb
Paris Saint-Germain, fresh off their maiden Champions League triumph with a resounding 5–0 victory over Inter Milan in Munich last May, will be looking to defend their title. However, the draw has presented them with a challenging path, highlighting the immense competition in this year’s tournament.
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Full Draw Details
For a comprehensive breakdown of all the fixtures and groups, stay tuned to Sports Illustrated’s live blog. We will be providing ongoing analysis and updates as the 2025–26 Champions League season unfolds.
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