Champions League draw hands Arsenal Real Madrid and Bayern

Arsenal have been handed two of the most eye-catching fixtures in the Champions League league phase, with Mikel Arteta’s side set to host Real Madrid and travel to Bayern Munich as they chase a first title in the competition.

Arsenal’s standout tests

After falling short in last season’s final, Arsenal will again enter the campaign with major expectations. Their draw appears manageable in broad terms, but the meetings with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich immediately stand out.

The trip to the Allianz Arena offers a high-level examination away from home, while Real Madrid’s visit to north London adds another heavyweight occasion to Arsenal’s schedule. The Spanish side are again managed by José Mourinho, adding another layer of intrigue to one of the marquee ties of the draw.

Arsenal will also host Borussia Dortmund, Lille and Sabah. Their remaining away fixtures are against Napoli, Slavia Prague and Real Betis, where they will come up against former player Héctor Bellerín.

Manchester clubs discover contrasting routes

Manchester City’s draw includes an immediate reunion with Barcelona, where they will come up against Rodri during Enzo Maresca’s first Champions League campaign in charge. City will also host Napoli, PSG, Sporting and AEK Athens, with away trips to Porto, RB Leipzig and Lens completing their programme.

Manchester United’s return to Europe’s top competition brings a series of notable assignments of its own. Michael Carrick’s side will host Bayern Munich, Roma, RB Leipzig and Sabah. Their away schedule includes trips to Como, managed by Cesc Fàbregas, as well as Atlético Madrid, Sporting and Villarreal.

Liverpool and Villa handed notable ties

Liverpool’s set of fixtures looks relatively favourable on paper, though it still contains a demanding visit to Inter. They will also travel to Lask, Club Brugge and Fenerbahce, while Atlético Madrid, Porto, Villarreal and Lens are all due at Anfield.

Aston Villa, meanwhile, face a significant challenge as they prepare for a home game against PSG and an away trip to Barcelona. Unai Emery’s side will also welcome Borussia Dortmund, Fenerbahce and Viking Stavanger to Villa Park, while travelling to Club Brugge, Galatasaray and Slavia Prague.

Villa’s draw comes after a difficult period in which the squad has been weakened by key departures. Even so, there will be encouragement from their recent Super Cup display against Luis Enrique’s PSG in Salzburg.

PSG, Chelsea and the wider picture

PSG’s attempt to win a third straight Champions League title will feature home league-phase matches against Barcelona, Roma, Galatasaray and Slovan Bratislava. Their away schedule includes Villarreal, Como, Manchester City and Aston Villa.

Chelsea may not be involved in European competition this season, but their stadium will still stage Champions League matches because Shakhtar Donetsk are using it for home fixtures. Among Shakhtar’s visitors will be Real Madrid, which means Mourinho is set for a return to familiar surroundings.

The first round of league-phase fixtures will be played on 8 and 9 September, with the full schedule for all eight match weeks due to be confirmed on Saturday.