The 2026/27 Champions League league phase is officially set, and there are some incredibly difficult schedules across the competition. With every club playing eight different opponents, the draw has created some fascinating combinations of heavyweight clashes, difficult away trips and potential banana skins.
Bayern Munich has a challenging path, but now nearly the most difficult. Vincent Kompany’s side will face Arsenal at home, travel to Atlético Madrid and Manchester United, and also have to deal
with Lille, while their other opponents include Bodø/Glimt, Viking, Slavia Praha, and Real Betis. The Atlético and Arsenal matches could be particularly important when it comes to Bayern Munich’s position in the final league table.
Real Madrid appears to have one of the most intimidating schedules on paper. It faces Inter Milan on Matchday 1, travels to AEK Athens, and then has RB Leipzig, PSV Eindhoven, Arsenal, and LASK. The visit from Arsenal, in particular stands out, with both clubs expected to be among the contenders for a top-eight position.
Manchester City also has plenty of heavyweight opposition. Their schedule includes Paris Saint-Germain, Leipzig, Napoli, and Barcelona. That could be one of the marquee games of the entire league phase.
FC Barcelona is in a similar situation. After opening against Feyenoord, it faces Galatasaray, PSG, Aston Villa, Manchester City, and Sporting CP. The back-to-back challenges against PSG and City could provide a major test.
But what about the less obvious contenders?
Feyenoord has Barcelona, Inter, Porto and Leipzig among their opponents, while Galatasaray faces Sporting CP, Barcelona, Lille, Stuttgart, Aston Villa, and PSG. Those are brutal schedules for clubs hoping to progress.
Even AEK Athens has a fascinating road ahead. They will face Manchester City, Real Madrid, Galatasaray, and Borussia Dortmund during the league phase.
So, which club truly received the toughest draw?
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