Champions League draw: Bayern face tough rivals and a newcomer

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·28 Agustus 2025

Champions League draw: Bayern face tough rivals and a newcomer

FC Bayern knows its opponents for the new Champions League phase – and is dealing with an exciting mix of top clubs and a newcomer.

The German record champion was drawn as the first team from Pot 1 and starts the Champions League 2025/26 with an away match at Cypriot debutant Paphos FC. At their home Allianz Arena, Bayern will host Union Saint-Gilloise, the Belgian champion, and FC Chelsea. Particularly explosive: the duel with Paris Saint-Germain will take place away at Parc des Princes. There will also be a reunion with former Bayern talent Paul Wanner – during the guest appearance at PSV Eindhoven. The field is completed by Arsenal (away), Sporting Lisbon (home) and Club Brugge (home).

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The duels with FC Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain are particularly challenging. The Gunners were runners-up in the Premier League and under Mikel Arteta are known for their offensive tempo football. PSG, as the reigning French champion and defending champion of the Champions League, is one of the top teams on the continent.

Reunion for possible Bayern newcomer?

Chelsea, another Premier League representative, awaits Bayern. The Londoners finished last season in fourth place and have stabilized with young players like Mudryk and Palmer. The duel would be particularly explosive should Nicolas Jackson move to Munich on loan before the end of the transfer period.

Against Brugge, second in Belgium, and Union Saint-Gilloise, the surprising third of the Jupiler League last season, the Munich team should be favored in front of their home crowd – but the Belgians should not be underestimated.

The away match at Paphos FC is a real novelty. The Cypriot champion is in the league phase of the Champions League for the first time and is considered a big outsider. Nevertheless, the trip to Cyprus will likely pose an organizational challenge, but it will be a special away trip for the fans.

The exact match dates will only be published by UEFA on Saturday, August 30.