Champions League draw: Bayern faces dream trip, Leipzig gets tough draw

The draw for the Champions League group stage has set the stage for German clubs, with Bayern Munich embarking on a journey to the final's host city and RB Leipzig facing formidable opponents.

“

This is the place of dreams, where we want to go.

Bayern Munich's path includes an away match against Atlético Madrid, a team they could potentially meet again in the 2026/27 Champions League final at the Estadio Metropolitano. "This is the place of dreams, where we want to go," said Bayern's sporting director Max Eberl. Their toughest opponent in the group stage is expected to be English champions FC Arsenal, featuring Kai Havertz. Arsenal, along with defending champions Paris Saint-Germain, were the only teams to defeat Bayern last season.

Bayern will also host matches against Betis Sevilla, Norway's Bodo/Glimt, and Slavia Prague. Away games include trips to former winners Manchester United, OSC Lille, and Champions League newcomers Viking Stavanger. "This phase is exciting, but we want to try to finish in the top eight," Eberl stated, acknowledging the challenging nature of the group stage. "The group stage has a lot to offer. People say, 'Yes, it's doable.' Nevertheless, you have to play it first."

“

This phase is exciting, but we want to try to finish in the top eight.

RB Leipzig has been handed a particularly difficult draw, facing Real Madrid and Manchester City. Borussia Dortmund also drew Arsenal and Bodo/Glimt, but will have to travel to London and to Norway's Arctic Circle. Dortmund's managing director Lars Ricken expressed hope that they wouldn't have to play in January, noting the demanding travel to Azerbaijan to face FK Sabah. Other opponents for Dortmund include Inter Milan, Betis Sevilla, FC Villarreal, and AEK Athens, as well as a match against Europa League winners Aston Villa.

“

The group stage has a lot to offer. People say, 'Yes, it's doable.' Nevertheless, you have to play it first.

Leipzig's sporting director Marcel Schäfer expressed great anticipation for their return to the European stage. "The anticipation is huge. It was a year of hard work. We are very happy to be back on the European stage," he said. "We want to cause a stir and measure ourselves against the best. I believe we have great and attractive opponents."

“

I hope not that we have to play there in January.