The UEFA Champions League's new league-phase draw has set up thrilling clashes, with Real Madrid facing Liverpool and both Manchester City and Arsenal taking on PSG. The revamped format promises high-stakes matchups as Europe's top clubs compete for glory. Fans eagerly await the full fixture schedule.
The UEFA Champions League has unveiled its new league-phase format, drawing significant matchups that promise thrilling encounters. Reigning champions Real Madrid will clash with Liverpool, reigniting a historic rivalry. Manchester City and Arsenal, both English powerhouses, have been paired with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), setting the stage for intense battles.
The draw, facilitated by football legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Gianluigi Buffon, introduces a revised structure with expanded match opportunities for top European clubs. Manchester City will also face Juventus, while Arsenal's campaign includes games against Inter Milan, Shakhtar Donetsk, and other notable clubs. Liverpool’s group features AC Milan and RB Leipzig, adding more competitive layers to the phase.
Celtic and Aston Villa, the other British representatives, are also set for challenging fixtures. Celtic's lineup includes matches against RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund, while Aston Villa faces Bayern Munich and Juventus.
The new format has sparked mixed reactions, with fans and pundits debating its impact on players and the overall competition. UEFA is expected to release the full match schedule soon, with fixtures kicking off in mid-September.
This revamped format marks a significant shift in European football, aiming to deliver more high-stakes matches while reshaping the journey to the final. Clubs and fans alike are eager to see how these changes unfold on the pitch.