Chelsea are back in the Champions League after two years away from Europe’s elite club competition. The Blues fans have some mouthwatering ties to be excited about, too.
Enzo Maresca’s side finished fourth in last season’s Premier League, which secured them a spot in the 2025/26 Champions League tournament.
Chelsea have just discovered the eight opponents they will face in the league phase.
The Blues will host Barcelona, Benfica, Ajax and Pafos at Stamford Bridge. As for their away trips, they go to Bayern Munich, Atalanta, Napoli and Qarabag.
Earlier this month, Jamie Carragher tipped Chelsea to flop in the Champions League by saying they wouldn’t qualify from the league phase of the European competition. In fairness, he may have a slightly better chance of being right now we’ve seen the tough set of fixtures, but Maresca’s team appear to have turned a corner, so should be confident in themselves.
We’ve taken a look below at five things to look out for with Chelsea in the upcoming Champions League league phase…
The Champions League logo on a light box.
Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images
Lamine Yamal is coming to Stamford Bridge
The fact that so many of the world’s best players compete in the Champions League makes it special every year. Well, Chelsea could be about to face the current best in Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal.
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Even at 18, Yamal is widely regarded as one of the elite footballers on the planet.
The Spanish attacker, who had 40 direct goal contributions for Barcelona last season across all competitions, will be the one to watch when his side arrives at Stamford Bridge. Incidentally, the dates of the fixtures haven’t been confirmed yet.
Lamine Yamal playing for Barcelona against Benfica in the Champions League.
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
Former Chelsea target Michael Olise could haunt them
One of the standout ties from Chelsea’s fixtures has to be the trip to the Allianz Arena to face Bayern Munich.
Of course, the German champions have so many outstanding players, but Michael Olise is someone Blues supporters may still feel bitter about missing out on signing.
French star Olise, 23, has developed into one of the world’s most devastating wingers since his move from Crystal Palace to Bayern in July 2024. He’s already started the new season with three goals in three games across all competitions.
Chelsea were obsessed with trying to sign Olise in the 2024 summer window, but they missed out on the super talent.
Jorrel Hato gets instant Ajax reunion
Chelsea defender Jorrel Hato, 19, must have been delighted to see his current team draw his former club in the Champions League.
Earlier this month, the Blues completed the signing of Hato from Dutch giants Ajax.
The talented defender, who can play at left-back or centre-back, will get an immediate opportunity to play against his former employers. It could be quite the occasion for the teenager because he came through the Ajax academy and captained them, which eventually earned him his huge move to the Premier League.
Erik ten Hag expects big things from Hato at Chelsea, and we’re pretty confident the youngster will get a decent amount of minutes as the season progresses due to the number of fixtures.
Ajax defender Jorrel Hato playing against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League.
Photo by Ben Gal/BSR Agency/Getty Images
Reunions galore against Napoli
Chelsea’s trip to Naples to face Italian champions Napoli will be a contest full of reunions.
The Napoli camp has so many familiar faces, including former Blues manager Antonio Conte. In addition, the Serie A giants also have former Chelsea players Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne and Billy Gilmour in their playing squad.
On paper, the trip to Italy looks extremely tough but one the travelling supporters could love.
Enzo Fernandez to face Benfica
Finally, Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, 24, will get the chance to take on former club Benfica.
The Argentine star joined the Blues from Benfica two-and-a-half years ago. Since then he’s emerged as one of the world’s very best central midfielders, especially under Enzo Maresca’s management.
Enzo Fernández to Chelsea… HERE WE GO! Agreement reached right now between Chelsea & Benfica 🚨🔵🇦🇷 #CFC #DeadlineDay
Important: clubs running to get the documents signed before end of the window, it’s finally agreed.
Boarding set to be completed — London ✈️ @TurkishAirlines pic.twitter.com/YGwY4QGseQ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 31, 2023
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Fernandez had a short but sweet spell with Portuguese giants Benfica, so it will be interesting to hear how their away support greet him at Stamford Bridge.