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The 2026–27 Champions League league phase draw took place on Thursday in Monaco, with Real Madrid and Barcelona discovering their opening eight fixtures on the lengthy journey to the Metropolitano.
Regulations prevent the two Spanish powerhouses from facing each other in the league phase, as clubs from the same country cannot clash until the knockout rounds. Yet that hasn't stopped a Clásico rivalry narrative from already seeping into the league phase.
Identifying their respective fixtures was naturally the top priority for Real Madrid and Barcelona. Close behind that, however, was checking who their fiercest rivals were paired against—and more crucially, which side landed the more favorable draw.
Real Madrid's 2026–27 League Phase Draw
Real Madrid were the first club pulled from Pot 1. Los Blancos are the undisputed kings of Europe's top club competition, boasting a record 15 Champions League titles. In the past decade alone, they claimed the tournament five times.
However, they have struggled to assert themselves since the expanded format was introduced. Over the last two campaigns, Real Madrid finished outside the top eight in the league phase and were forced into the knockout phase playoffs. They then exited at the quarterfinal stage in both 2024–25 and 2025–26.
The club's route back to glory is now mapped out—and it appears quite manageable.
Home Opponents
Away Opponents
Barcelona's 2026–27 League Phase Draw
Barcelona were the fourth club drawn from Pot 1. The Spanish champions have been outspoken about their Champions League aspirations after going 11 years without even reaching the final.
The Catalans have been the dominant force in Spanish football since Hansi Flick took the helm ahead of the 2024–25 season, securing consecutive La Liga titles and Spanish Super Cups, as well as the 2024–25 Copa del Rey.
They came agonizingly close to meeting Paris Saint-Germain in the 2024–25 Champions League final, only to be knocked out by Inter 7–6 on aggregate. Now, the two sides will meet again in the league phase for the second consecutive season—potentially as a preview of a future knockout encounter.
Home Opponents
Away Opponents
Comparing Real Madrid and Barcelona's Draws
Both Real Madrid and Barcelona were drawn against last year's finalists. The former face Arsenal, while the latter are set for a rematch with PSG. The challenge is broadly comparable, though the reigning cup holders represent a marginally greater threat than the Gunners.
That's roughly where the similarities end. It's fair to say Los Blancos received the kinder draw compared to their fierce rivals. The second Pot 1 side José Mourinho's men were paired with is Inter, who were sensationally knocked out in the playoffs last season by Bodø/Glimt.
By contrast, Barcelona drew Manchester City, a club with genuine Champions League pedigree—when they're not up against Real Madrid. The Cityzens have also been spending heavily this summer, most recently bringing in Ayyoub Bouaddi, with Enzo Fernández potentially still to arrive before the window shuts.
The Catalans must also contend with reigning Europa League champions Aston Villa, as well as the perennially tricky Sporting CP. A trip to Galatasaray is no easy task either—just ask Liverpool, Atlético Madrid and Juventus, three sides who all failed to win at Rams Park last season.
Even newcomers Como could present a genuine challenge, given they are guided by former Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fàbregas. Nico Paz also has a knack for humbling opponents.
Real Madrid, by comparison, welcome newcomers LASK at home, along with RB Leipzig, whose standout performer last season, Yan Diomande, has since joined the Spanish giants. Reigning Dutch champions PSV are a sterner test, yet they failed to advance beyond the league phase last season—and in 2024–25, Arsenal put nine goals past them in the round of 16.
A trip to Roma is arguably the toughest challenge for the 15-time European champions outside of Arsenal and Inter, and the Italian club only managed a third-place Serie A finish last season.
Naturally, any of these matches could play out very differently from expectations, but on paper at least, Real Madrid have far more reason to smile than Barcelona following Thursday's draw.