Real Madrid always expect to win the Champions League, anything less is deemed a failure, and this season will be no different. José Mourinho is back at the Bernabéu, dreaming of becoming a European champion for a third time, having hoisted this trophy aloft in charge of Porto in 2004 and Inter Milan in 2010.
During his first stint, los Blancos were beaten in the semi-finals each time before, the year after Mourinho departed, securing la Décima under Carlo Ancelotti. Los Merengues' latest European adventure is about to begin, so here is what you need to know ahead of the draw.
When is the Champions League league phase draw?
The Champions League league phase draw takes place on Thursday 27 August. It will be staged at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, with the ceremony getting underway at 6pm (CEST). That is midday on the east coast of the United States. Based on previous draws, it will be at least 30 minutes until any teams are actually drawn.
How can I watch the Champions League draw?
The draw is available to watch on Movistar Liga de Campeones in Spain, Paramount+ and CBS Sports Golazo in the U.S. as well as TNT Sports 1 and HBO Max in the UK.
What pot are Real Madrid in for the Champions League draw?
As one might expect, Real Madrid are in pot 1. This is due to the fact that they are currently second in the five-year UEFA Coefficient Ranking. However, unlike when the competitin used to feature a now old-fashion group stage, being in a higher pot does not really have a tangible benefit.
Who has qualified for the Champions League league phase?
29 clubs qualified for the Champions League directly at the end of last season. They are joined by the seven sides who came through play-offs on Tuesday and Wednesday, taking the number up to 36. These clubs are split into four pots, as noted below.
Pot 1
- Paris Saint-Germain
- Bayern Munich
- Real Madrid
- Liverpool
- Internazionale Milano
- Manchester City
- Arsenal
- Barcelona
- Atlético Madrid
Pot 2
- Borussia Dortmund
- AS Roma
- Sporting Clube de Portugal
- Aston Villa
- FC Porto
- Manchester United
- Club Brugge
- Real Betis
- PSV Eindhoven
Pot 3
- Feyenoord
- LOSC Lille
- Bodø/Glimt
- Napoli
- RB Leipzig
- Villarreal
- Fenerbahçe
- Shakhtar Donetsk
- Galatasaray
Pot 4
- Slavia Prague
- ŠK Slovan Bratislava
- VfB Stuttgart
- AEK Athens
- LASK
- Como
- Lens
- Viking
- Sabah
Who can Real Madrid not face in the Champions League?
As always, Real Madrid cannot take on other La Liga clubs, namely Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, Real Betis nor Villarreal. There is though one other draw condition, which will prevent los Blancos heading back to Anfield.
A new UEFA rule means no identical fixture can be played in three consecutive Champions League league phase seasons. Considering los Blancos have drawn Liverpool away in both of the last two, that fixture cannot occur this time round. Andoni Iraola's team could still visit the Bernabéu.
This means, from pot 1, Mourinho's team will travel to one of PSG, Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Manchester City or Inter Milan.
How does the Champions League league phase draw work?
Real Madrid will play eight matches against eight different opponents, four at the Bernabéu and four away. They will face two teams from each pot, one at home and one away. The full fixture list, including dates and kick off times, will be released on Saturday.
Champions League 2026/27 league phase dates
- League phase draw: Thursday 27 August - 6pm (CEST) start.
- Matchday 1: 8-10 September.
- Matchday 2: 13 & 14 October.
- Matchday 3: 20 & 21 October.
- Matchday 4: 3 & 4 November.
- Matchday 5: 24 & 25 November.
- Matchday 6: 8 & 9 December.
- Matchday 7: 19 & 20 January.
- Matchday 8: Wednesday 27 January.
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