Heavyweights Real Madrid and Bayern Munich headline a daunting path for Mikel Arteta’s side as the Gunners seek redemption following last season's heartbreaking final defeat in Budapest.
The 2026/27 Champions League draw has been made this evening for the League Phase of the competition and Arsenal are set to have some mouthwatering ties as they look to go one better than last season and win a first ever Champions League trophy after the heartbreak of the final defeat against PSG on penalties.
Arsenal’s ‘League Phase’ draw in full is as follows:
Real Madrid (H)
Bayern Munich (A)
Borussia Dortmund (H)
Real Betis (A)
LOSC Lille (H)
Napoli (A)
Sabah (H)
Slavia Prague (A)
There of course some stand out ties in here, including the return of Real Madrid to North London for the first time since that 3-0 victory 2 years ago, and a trip to The Allianz Arena, a ground which has proved difficult for Arsenal to navigate over the years. Most recently a 1-0 defeat, which saw Arsenal exit at the Quarter-Final stage in 2024/25,.
The Gunners have had recent success against German side recently, beating Munich 3-1 at the Emirates during last season's league phase.
Borussia Dortmund are also set to visit N7 for a second time this season, following the defeat in the Emirates Cup during pre-season.
Arsenal will also travel to Real Betis, yet another side that Arsenal played in pre-season, with hopes of avenging the 1-3 defeat they suffered in pre-season. Arteta’s side will also welcome Azerbaijani side Sabah for the first time in the club's history in what will be a first Champions League campaign for them.
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry draws Arsenal out of the hat ahead of their Champions League 'league phase' opponents being announced this evening. (REUTERS)
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry draws Arsenal out of the hat ahead of their Champions League 'league phase' opponents being announced this evening. (REUTERS)
There are also some familiar away fixtures for Arsenal to navigate this season, including a trip to Napoli for the first time since the Europa League Quarter-Final in 2019, in which Lacazette’s free kick led the side to a 3-0 aggregate victory.
Arsenal also last played Slavia Prague in a Europa League Quarter-Final, this time coming away 0-4 victors, completing a 5-1 rout on aggregate.
Mikel Arteta and the club alike will be absolutely desperate to right the wrongs of last season, and go that one step further, and a positive league phase will instill some serious confidence into the squad to go all the way. Arsenal were unbeaten in this stage of the competition last season, finishing 1st in the league table, and will look to match that.
The league phase fixtures will run from 8th September 2026 to 27th January 2027, with Arsenal announcing the dates of each individual fixture in due course.