The Champions League Is Back: Europe’s Elite Prepare for Another Battle

The wait is over. The UEFA Champions League is back, with Europe’s biggest clubs ready to begin another journey towards continental glory.

The 2026/27 Champions League league phase officially gets underway on Tuesday, September 8, launching the third season of UEFA’s 36-team league-phase format. Matchday 1 will be played across three days, from September 8 to 10.

The opening round immediately delivers several heavyweight encounters. Real Madrid face Inter Milan, Manchester City travel to Porto, while Borussia Dortmund host Villarreal. Lille take on Real Betis, with Aston Villa also beginning their campaign away to Club Brugge.

Wednesday brings another blockbuster schedule, headlined by Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid and Napoli vs Arsenal. Barcelona will also begin their campaign at home against Feyenoord, while Paris Saint-Germain host Slovan Bratislava.

Thursday completes the opening matchday, with Manchester United hosting Sabah, Bayern Munich welcoming Bodø/Glimt and Fenerbahçe facing Roma.

With 36 teams competing in the league phase, every match carries significance as clubs look to secure their place in the knockout rounds. The league phase runs through January, before the competition moves into its knockout stages.

The road to the final in Madrid on June 5, 2027 has officially begun. Europe’s biggest stars, biggest clubs and biggest nights are back—and the race for Champions League glory starts now.