The road to glory in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League will be anything but easy for Real Madrid. The draw held at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco placed the 14-time European champions in one of the most daunting league-phase schedules under the competition’s brand-new format.

Who Will Real Madrid Face in the League Phase?

Carlo Ancelotti’s men will go up against some of Europe’s most powerful clubs:

• At home (Santiago Bernabéu): Manchester City (England), Juventus (Italy), Marseille (France), and Monaco (France).
• Away: Liverpool (England), Benfica (Portugal), Olympiacos (Greece), and Kairat Almaty (Kazakhstan).

With four former European champions on the list and long-distance trips across the continent, Real Madrid’s squad depth will be tested like never before.

When Will the League Phase Be Played?

The new league phase will feature eight matchdays between September 16, 2025, and January 28, 2026. All fixtures on the final matchday will kick off simultaneously to ensure fairness and maintain drama until the very end.

The top eight teams in the standings will qualify directly for the Round of 16, while clubs finishing between 9th and 24th will enter a playoff round to secure the remaining knockout spots.

What Happens After the League Phase?

Following this stage, the competition will return to the traditional two-legged knockout format for the Round of 16, quarterfinals, and semifinals. The grand final is scheduled for May 30, 2026, at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, marking the first time Hungary hosts European football’s biggest night.

A True Test for the Kings of Europe

As 13-time European champions, Real Madrid know better than anyone what it takes to navigate the Champions League. But with rivals like Liverpool, Manchester City, and Juventus looming in the league phase, this campaign already looks like one of the toughest in the club’s storied history.

Success will demand instant performance levels, as the new Champions League format leaves no room for slow starts — and every match could define their path toward another European crown.