Chelsea will face Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and six other opponents in the league phase of this season’s UEFA Champions League after Thursday’s draw in Monaco.
It marks the Blues’ return to the competition for the first time since 2022/23 and their debut in the new 36-team league format.
Enzo Maresca’s side will play eight matches, four at Stamford Bridge and four away, against different opponents, with no repeat fixtures in the league stage.
Drawn from Pot 1 thanks to their UEFA coefficient, Chelsea were paired with Barcelona at home and Bayern away, alongside Benfica (home), Atalanta (away), Ajax (home), Napoli (away), Pafos (home) and Qarabag (away).
UEFA confirmed that fixture dates and kick-off times will be released on Saturday, August 30.
Before the draw, Chelsea were honoured with a special award for becoming the first club to win all six of UEFA’s men’s competitions: the Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, Super Cup, Cup Winners’ Cup, and Youth League.
Club President and Chief Operating Officer Jason Gannon collected the award on behalf of the Blues, saying:
On behalf of more than 120 years of football at Chelsea, the board, the players, the staff, and supporters thank UEFA for this meaningful recognition. It’s so special for us.
The Champions League league phase will begin on September 16–18, with further rounds scheduled through January 2026.
Chelsea will learn their exact schedule this weekend as anticipation builds for their clashes with Europe’s elite.
Champions League matchdays
Matchday 1: 16-18 September 2025
Matchday 2: 30 September/1 October 2025
Matchday 3: 21/22 October 2025
Matchday 4: 4/5 November 2025
Matchday 5: 25/26 November 2025
Matchday 6: 9/10 December 2025
Matchday 7: 20/21 January 2026
Matchday 8: 28 January 2026
