The fierce battles in the 2025/26 Champions League

The draw for the 2025/26 Champions League qualifying rounds has confirmed 144 exciting matches scheduled from September 2025 through January 2026, including several headline matchups promising great excitement.

The Champions League always delivers exciting and dramatic encounters, and this season is no exception with many promising fixtures. Below are the hot matches that fans simply cannot miss.

PSG vs Barcelona: The dream matchup

Right from the qualifying rounds, the clash between PSG and Barcelona is regarded as a "dream match." Both teams are strong contenders for the championship. Barcelona’s superior ball control style will face PSG’s energetic pressing game.

The tactical battle between these two contrasting styles will be a highlight, alongside thrilling individual duels such as Barcelona’s Yamal facing PSG’s Dembele, both competing fiercely for this year’s Ballon d’Or. Undoubtedly, this match will be scorching hot.

Real Madrid vs Liverpool: A fateful reunion

Real Madrid and Liverpool will meet again in a fateful reunion, having faced each other 11 times in total, with Real Madrid holding 7 wins against Liverpool’s 3, and one draw. This also recalls the 2018 and 2022 Champions League finals, where Real Madrid defeated Liverpool twice to claim the title.

Real Madrid will also witness Trent Alexander-Arnold facing his old club just months after parting ways. After last season’s qualifying round defeat to Liverpool, can Real Madrid seek revenge? Liverpool will surely want to reaffirm their dominance over this opponent they once defeated.

Napoli vs Man City: A battle of giants

One of the notable matches is the encounter between Napoli and Manchester City. With Kevin De Bruyne returning to face his former club in Italy, this match promises to be intense. The tactical duel between Conte and Pep Guardiola always produces unpredictable games, offering Napoli a chance to prove their strength on the European stage.

Arsenal vs Bayern Munich: Arsenal’s long-standing rival

Arsenal will take on Bayern Munich in a challenging fixture. Although the head-to-head history doesn’t favor the Gunners, having won only 3 out of 14 meetings, Arsenal still has reasons to be hopeful.

Bayern Munich has often haunted Arsenal in the Champions League with heavy defeats. Most notably, the 5-1 win at Allianz Arena in the 2015/16 group stage and two 5-1 victories in the 2016/17 round of 16, eliminating Arsenal with a 10-2 aggregate — one of Arsenal’s heaviest European defeats ever.

Under coach Mikel Arteta, the team has grown significantly, and this season offers a chance to demonstrate their progress. Can Arsenal break the "curse" against Bayern Munich? This will surely be a thrilling contest.

Chelsea vs Barcelona: A clash of young generations

The match between Chelsea and Barcelona will be a major challenge for both sides. Barcelona, led by coach Hansi Flick, is undergoing a strong rebuild with a talented young squad including Pedri, Gavi, and Lamine Yamal.

Meanwhile, Chelsea under coach Maresca is showing an impressive revival. New signings like Delap, Joao Pedro, and Estevao bring high hopes to the London club. This match is not only a chance for both teams to prove their mettle but also a showdown between Europe’s emerging football generations.

Looking back, Barca and Chelsea have shared one of the most dramatic rivalries in Champions League history. In 2009, Chelsea suffered heartbreak when Andrés Iniesta scored a stoppage-time winner at Stamford Bridge amid controversial decisions. Three years later, in the 2012 semifinals, the scenario reversed: Messi missed a penalty, Ramires scored a stunning lob, and Torres sealed the win, helping Chelsea eliminate Barca 3-2 on aggregate before going on to win the title.

The 2025/26 Champions League season promises more thrilling, dramatic, and surprising matches. The top clubs will compete not only for the title but also to prove their strength, resilience, and ambition to conquer Europe’s pinnacle.