Europe’s elite clubs are set to resume the UEFA Champions League as the 2026–27 league phase kicks off this week. The competition enters its third season under the 36‑team league format, with each side playing eight matches—four at home and four away—between 8 September 2026 and 27 January 2027.

Paris Saint‑Germain return as two‑time defending champions, having beaten Inter Milan 5–0 in the 2025 final in Munich and then overcoming Arsenal on penalties after a 1–1 draw in the 2026 final in Budapest. That recent dominance makes Luis Enrique’s side the benchmark, but the field remains crowded: Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Arsenal and Barcelona all feature in a deep Pot 1.

Manchester United mark their return to the Champions League after two seasons away. Michael Carrick’s side were drawn into a demanding schedule that includes home fixtures against Bayern Munich, Roma, RB Leipzig and Sabah, and away trips to Atlético Madrid, Sporting CP, Villarreal and newly prominent Italian side Como.

Elsewhere, the storylines multiply. José Mourinho’s Real Madrid face Arsenal and Inter in the league phase, while Barcelona—reinforced by the arrival of Rodri from Manchester City—meet Manchester City at home and travel to PSG. Como, coached by Cesc Fàbregas after finishing fourth in Serie A, are making their Champions League debut and will host PSG and Manchester United among others.

The historical backdrop adds weight to the new campaign. The past five finals have featured Real Madrid (2022, 2024), Manchester City (2023), and now PSG (2025, 2026), with the all‑time scoring list still topped by Cristiano Ronaldo (141 goals), Lionel Messi (129), Robert Lewandowski (109), Karim Benzema (90) and Raúl (71). As the league phase begins, the question is whether anyone can dislodge PSG from the summit or if the French club can secure an unprecedented third consecutive title.