Arsenal face PSG rematch and Liverpool draw Real Madrid in simulated Champions League draw

Five Premier League clubs will discover their 2026/27 UEFA Champions League league phase opponents on Thursday, 28 August, when the draw takes place in Nyon at 6pm CET. Ahead of that ceremony, a simulated version of the draw has produced a series of high-profile rematches for Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Aston Villa.

England’s record five-club entry was secured by the strong collective performance of Premier League sides in last season’s competition, which earned an additional spot in the expanded league phase format. Under that system, each club faces eight opponents — two from each of the four seeding pots — with match dates to be confirmed by Saturday and the first fixtures scheduled for 8 September.

Arsenal

The simulation hands Mikel Arteta’s side a reunion with Atlético Madrid at the Emirates Stadium — a repeat of last season’s league phase fixture that Arsenal won 4-0 — as well as a trip to the Parc des Princes to face Paris Saint-Germain, the club they defeated in the 2025/26 final. From pot two, Arsenal draw Porto and Real Betis; from pot three, Napoli and Shakhtar Donetsk, the latter currently playing home games at Stamford Bridge. Their pot four opponents are Cesc Fàbregas’ Como — making their Champions League debut — and the winner of the AEK Athens vs Levski Sofia play-off.

Manchester City

The simulation produces arguably the most eye-catching draw of all for City, who are handed a home tie against Barcelona and an away trip to Real Madrid from pot one, alongside Sporting CP and Borussia Dortmund from pot two, and Feyenoord and Bodø/Glimt from pot three.

Context and caveats

The simulation was run before the conclusion of the play-off second legs, meaning some pot four opponents remain subject to change depending on results. Thursday’s official draw will confirm the actual fixtures, with the full schedule of match dates and kick-off times released no later than Saturday.

The league phase format, introduced ahead of the 2024/25 season, replaced the traditional group stage and guarantees each club a minimum of eight matches before the knockout rounds begin. Last season’s competition saw Premier League clubs reach the latter stages in significant numbers, reinforcing England’s position as the dominant force in European club football heading into 2026/27.