James Harrington

Lens drew the toughest run per Opta's ratings, while Real Madrid landed the softest path among the giants after the 2026-27 draw.

Nottingham Forest paid up to £50m to sign Liam Delap from Chelsea, breaking their transfer record and netting Chelsea a tidy profit.

UEFA's Monaco draw set the 2026-27 league-phase pairings, testing Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and PSG from Matchday 1.

Newcastle visits Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Aug. 29 with recent momentum in the fixture and a fresh Tonali subplot after his record summer sale.

Aston Villa host defending champions Arsenal on 31 August, with last season's split results and Emery's Villa Park record framing the rematch.

Barcelona have won four of their last five games against Athletic Club heading into a rearranged Spotify Camp Nou opener on August 27.

Before Nyon's 27 August draw, Real Madrid's 15 European Cups still separate it from every other club chasing Champions League history.

City have won 18 of their last 20 meetings with Bournemouth, but both clubs arrive at Gameweek 1 under new head coaches after a dramatic 2025/26 finish.

Sandro Tonali's move from Newcastle for up to €115m nearly doubles the club's previous record, set by Xavi Simons this summer.

Newcastle host Liverpool in the 2026-27 opener at St James' Park, winless there since 2015, with new boss Jaissle short on right-backs.