What is the story about?
What's Happening?
Chelsea's Champions League draw has been revealed, with the team set to face Barcelona at home and Bayern Munich away. The league phase includes matches against Benfica, Ajax, Atalanta, Napoli, Pafos, and Qarabag. Chelsea, having won the Club World Cup, enters the competition with high hopes. The league phase format, introduced last season, replaces the traditional group stage, offering a diverse range of opponents.
Why It's Important?
Chelsea's draw highlights the competitive nature of the Champions League, with matches against top European clubs. The new format aims to enhance the tournament's appeal by providing diverse matchups. Success in the league phase is crucial for Chelsea, impacting their progression and financial gains. High-profile matches will attract global audiences, boosting the tournament's visibility. Chelsea's performance will be closely watched, as it affects their reputation and standing in European football.
What's Next?
The league-phase matches will commence on September 16, 2025, and conclude on January 28, 2026. Chelsea will aim to secure a top-eight finish to advance directly to the knockout stages. Those finishing between ninth and 24th will enter a knockout-phase play-off. The draw for these play-offs is set for January 30, 2026. The knockout rounds will follow, leading to the final on May 30, 2026, at the Puskas Arena in Budapest.
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