Manchester City learn Champions League fate

Manchester City have discovered who they will face in the League Phase of the Champions League

They will play: Borussia Dortmund (home), Real Madrid (away), Bayer Leverkusen (home), Villarreal (away), Napoli (home), Bodo/Glimt (away), Galatasaray (home) and Monaco (away)

Author | Macca

They start their journey with some potentially tough fixtures as they look to replicate their success of 2023. 

Talking points

After being knocked out of the competition by Real Madrid last season, City fans, players and their manager will be wanting in what would be a statement win. They will also be welcoming Borussia Dortmund from pot one.

The next thing that really sticks out is the return of Kevin De Bruyne. He will bring his Napoli side to Manchester. He will be joined by former Manchester United players Scott McTominay and Romelu Lukaku.

City fans tribute to their now former midfielder

They also have home games against Erik ten Hag's Bayer Leverkusen and last season's Turkish league winners Galatasaray.

Away from home, Pep Guardiola’s side will take on Villarreal, Bodø/Glimt and Monaco, with the French club strengthened by the arrivals of Paul Pogba, Eric Dier and Ansu Fati over the summer.

One City fan told us: "It's a difficult draw but it gives us an early opportunity to test ourselves against some quality sides. I'm also looking forward to seeing Kevin De Bruyne again."

How does the format work?

This will be the second instalment of UEFA's new Champions League format that consists of a 36-team league phase.

The first round of those league phase games will begin on 16th September. The final is being hosted at the Puskas Arena in Budapest on 30th May 2026.