The European football scene is set for a blockbuster showdown after Thursday’s UEFA Champions League draw at Monaco’s Grimaldi Forum. Legendary icons Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Kaka oversaw the ceremony, revealing eight tantalizing groups that promise drama, goals and unforgettable moments.
Title holders Paris Saint-Germain landed in a group featuring European powerhouses Bayern Munich and Barcelona. Add to that Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, plus Italian surprise package Atalanta and Bundesliga contenders Bayer Leverkusen, and PSG face no shortage of challenges.
Record 15-time winners Real Madrid will renew rivalries with Manchester City and Liverpool, making a special return to Anfield for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who joined Madrid in the summer. Juventus also join the mix, while City will host Kevin de Bruyne’s new side, Napoli, setting up a reunion with the Belgian playmaker.
Last season’s runners-up Inter Milan open their campaign at the San Siro against Liverpool and Arsenal before travelling to Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid. With four European titans in one group, every matchday could be a knockout thriller.
Fans, digital nomads and sports aficionados are already buzzing online: #UCL2025 is trending as supporters share predictions, travel tips and fan art. Here’s what to watch:
- Historic match-ups: PSG vs Bayern (49th meeting); Madrid vs City in a third straight UCL clash.
- Star reunions: Trent Alexander-Arnold back at Anfield rivals; Kevin de Bruyne faces former club City.
- Group balance: Multiple past winners in each pool promise tactical masterclasses and high-stakes drama.
Matches kick off in September, climaxing with the final at Budapest’s Puskas Arena on May 30. Whether you’re planning a football pilgrimage or cheering from home, the 2025–26 Champions League is shaping up to be unmissable.
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PSG to face Bayern and Barcelona in Champions League group stage
cgtn.com
