Social Media Explodes Over Champions League Draw: The Most Epic Reactions and Memes That Broke the Internet
The 2025–26 UEFA Champions League approaches with the league stage paths for all 36 clubs now determined.
The Champions League league stage presents numerous exciting clashes in the competition's opening round. Major European clubs will meet head-to-head, creating several compelling narratives worth monitoring.
In the second season of the revamped league stage structure, Europe's premier club tournament appears set to captivate supporters from the very first matchday.
Here's how supporters worldwide responded to the Champions League league stage draw.
The Ceremony Begins
As typically occurs during major draw events... some accolades were distributed initially.
Chelsea earned special acknowledgment as the sole club to capture every significant European trophy. Zlatan Ibrahimović starred in a brief video highlighting the new league stage system and also collected the UEFA President's Award.
Clubs were also eagerly awaiting their destiny, but Bayer Leverkusen delivered perhaps the evening's best moment, taking a shot at Manchester United over their Carabao Cup loss to League Two outfit Grimsby Town.
Man Utd supporters responded swiftly, however...
With all pre-draw ceremonies concluded, the excitement of the draw was set to commence.
Chelsea vs. Barcelona at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea were among the initial teams to discover their eight league stage adversaries. The Conference League and Club World Cup winners will welcome Barcelona to Stamford Bridge, creating a matchup rich in Champions League history.
Additionally, Chelsea's complete league stage schedule rekindled positive memories for Blues supporters.
Trent Alexander-Arnold Returns to Anfield
One of the most analyzed transfers recently centers on Trent Alexander-Arnold's choice to reject a contract extension with Liverpool in favor of joining Real Madrid.
The academy graduate played a crucial part in Liverpool's achievements throughout much of the previous decade and had earned beloved status at Anfield. Nevertheless, his departure devastated Liverpool supporters, transforming him into a perceived traitor for many.
Naturally, the unavoidable occurred. Real Madrid were drawn to face Liverpool at Anfield. Based on Liverpool fans' responses, Alexander-Arnold faces a very unwelcoming return.
Kevin De Bruyne Gets His Man City Reunion
Alexander-Arnold's Anfield return wasn't the sole significant reunion scheduled. Kevin De Bruyne will also revisit Etihad Stadium, as Manchester City drew Serie A winners Napoli.
De Bruyne stands as arguably City's greatest icon and among the finest players in Premier League annals. Nevertheless, the club chose to release him following last season's conclusion. Now, he'll return to Manchester's blue half wearing Napoli colors.
Unlike Alexander-Arnold, De Bruyne will certainly receive a champion's reception.
Barcelona vs. PSG: Laporta Gets His Wish
Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain seemed destined to clash in last season's Champions League final. Nevertheless, Inter Milan disrupted those plans by eliminating the Catalans dramatically in one of history's greatest semifinals.
The Parisians subsequently defeated Inter in the final to secure their maiden Champions League crown.
Recently, Barcelona President Joan Laporta expressed feeling there was an unfinished encounter between Barcelona and PSG. Well, that anticipated meeting has materialized. The defending champions will travel to Barcelona. Luis Enrique will confront his previous team and most Ballon d'Or contenders will likely feature.
City and Madrid... Again
For the fifth consecutive campaign, Real Madrid and Manchester City will clash in the Champions League.
Los Blancos and the Citizens have developed one of the modern era's greatest European rivalries. Champions of three from the last four Champions Leagues, they've produced some of recent history's most memorable knockout encounters.
Now, the Santiago Bernabéu will host the rivalry's newest chapter. The pressure won't match their previous encounters, but it remains a fixture supporters will eagerly anticipate.
Arsenal Get a Favorable Draw?
Given Arsenal's placement in Pot 2, many worried they might face disadvantages. However, with this relatively fresh league stage format, pot positions carry less significance.
The Gunners' fixture list certainly includes challenging opponents, but they host Bayern Munich and Atlético Madrid at home. They also escaped visits to Olympiacos's intimidating venue, a team that previously knocked them out in the Europa League.
Inter Milan away presents a tough challenge, but overall, Arsenal appear to have a reasonable league stage campaign ahead.