Russell & Butler - Magazine - Page 14
LOOKING AHEAD TO THE
UEFA CHAMPIONS
LEAGUE 2026/2027
Europe’s greatest clubs return as Champions League
drama begins again
A
s September arrives, Europe’s biggest clubs are preparing for
another season of UEFA Champions League football, with the
2026/27 league phase due to begin from 8–10 September.
Paris Saint-Germain return as the team to beat. The French
champions retained the trophy in May, defeating Arsenal on
penalties in Budapest, and will now attempt to become
European champions for a remarkable third successive season.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are back among the contenders after
coming agonisingly close last term.
England will again have a strong presence. Arsenal, Aston
Villa, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United are
among the clubs already confirmed for the league phase,
while continental heavyweights including Real Madrid,
Barcelona, Atlético de Madrid, Bayern Munich, Borussia
Dortmund, Inter Milan and Napoli will also be involved.
The competition continues with the league-phase format
introduced in 2024/25. Thirty-six clubs compete in one overall
table, with each side playing eight matches against eight
different opponents. The top eight teams qualify
automatically for the round of 16, while those finishing ninth
to 24th enter two-legged knockout play-offs. Clubs placed
25th or lower are eliminated.
Six league-phase matchdays will be played before Christmas,
followed by the final two in January. From there, the knockout
rounds run from February through to May, with the competition
steadily narrowing towards its showpiece occasion.
This season’s final will take place on Saturday 5 June 2027 at Atlético
Madrid’s Estadio Metropolitano. The stadium previously hosted the
Champions League final in 2019 and will provide an imposing setting for
European football’s biggest club prize.
With defending champions Paris chasing further history, Arsenal seeking
another opportunity and Europe’s traditional giants assembling once
more, the 2026/27 Champions League promises another long season of
elite football, heavyweight encounters and compelling knockout drama.
The journey to Madrid begins now, with every point likely to matter.
14
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
