Champions League 2025/26: Key Fixtures to Watch in the Group Stage

The Champions League 2025/26 marks the second season under UEFA’s expanded 36‑team format, with all clubs competing in one league table rather than standard four‑team groups. The league phase runs from Matchday 1 in mid‑September through Matchday 8 in late January, with the top eight progressing directly to the round of 16, while teams ranked 9th–24th enter knockout playoffs in February. With heavyweight matchups and new rivalries, the Champions League 2025/26 group stage promises thrills from the very first fixture.

Key Fixtures to Watch

This season’s Champions League 2025/26 schedule delivers several blockbuster encounters that fans should circle in their calendars:

• Liverpool vs Real Madrid: An Anfield reunion with Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen drawing extra intrigue

• Manchester City vs Inter Milan: A repeat of the 2023 final confrontation, bookmarked for early UEFA drama

• Aston Villa vs Bayern Munich and Celtic: Villa’s return to Europe after decades includes high‑voltage games that could define their run

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Matchdays unfold across:

• September 16–18 (Matchday 1)

• October 21–22 (Matchday 3)

• December 9–10 (Matchday 6)

• January 20–21 (Matchday 7)

These games anchor what could be the most fiercely contested Champions League 2025/26 group campaign yet.

Why These Fixtures Will Define the Campaign

The revamped format allows for high-profile duels early, making encounters like Liverpool vs Real Madrid and City vs Inter not just competitive but narrative-rich tests. Teams such as PSG, Arsenal, Juventus, and Bayern will also face a blend of elite competition and surprise packages, heightening tension as every match counts on the road to Budapest. The final is scheduled for May 30, 2026 at Puskás Aréna, capping off a dramatic journey.

If you’re a fan of dramatic turnarounds, you’ll want to explore more about the 5 Greatest Champions League Comebacks of All Time. And for those looking to experience the action in luxury, book your VIP hospitality package with VIP Tables Cannes today.

Stay tuned as the Champions League 2025/26 group stage unfolds—with unforgettable fixtures and moments that could define a generation.