Champions League schedule unveiled: Real Madrid open against Inter, PSG faces City and Barcelona
UEFA released the full match calendar for the Champions League group stage, with Real Madrid hosting Inter Milan on the opening night and PSG slated to meet Manchester City and Barcelona in October.
UEFA announced the complete group-stage timetable for this season's Champions League, outlining each team's eight games. The tournament opens on September 8 with 15-time European champion Real Madrid playing Inter Milan at the Bernabéu, while Club Brugge and AEK Athens host Aston Villa and LASK respectively in early evening fixtures. Paris Saint-Germain's October programme features a high-profile clash with Manchester City on the 14th followed by a home game against Barcelona on the 20th.
Other highlighted encounters include Liverpool versus Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich against Bodø/Glimt, and Arsenal hosting Real Madrid in December. Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt will host Atletico Madrid in the Arctic Circle in January, and Shakhtar Donetsk will play its neutral-venue match at Chelsea later that month. The top eight finishers advance directly to the round of 16, while the remaining teams enter knockout playoffs.
Why it matters
The schedule determines when Europe's top clubs will compete, shaping fans' expectations and broadcasters' planning.
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