Atletico Madrid now know their opponents for the new Champions League league phase after a draw that presents a challenging path. As reported by Marca on Wednesday, Diego Simeone's team will aim for the objective of direct qualification to the round of 16 by overcoming powerful adversaries.
The red-and-white side, currently sitting sixth in La Liga with 4 points from two games, faces a demanding European schedule. Their recent domestic form reads draw-win, with a record of 4 goals scored and 2 conceded.
Which teams will visit the Metropolitano?
In home matches at the Metropolitano stadium, Atletico Madrid will host four top-level opponents. Bayern Munich will be one of the most formidable visitors, a classic European competition fixture. Manchester United will also travel to the Spanish capital, rekindling historic encounters. The other two teams playing in Madrid are Turkish side Fenerbahce and Norwegian club Viking.
These home fixtures will be vital for accumulating points and aiming to finish among the top 24 of the league phase, which awards eight direct tickets to the last 16. The advantage of playing at the Metropolitano, a venue that will also host the final on June 5, 2027, could be a decisive factor.
Which stadiums will Atletico travel to?
The away trips will be no less complicated for Simeone's team. Atletico will have to face Liverpool at Anfield, a fortress traditionally difficult for any visitor. Another complex journey will be to the Philips Stadion to take on PSV Eindhoven. Furthermore, the schedule includes a visit to Norwegian side Bodo and German club Stuttgart.
This sequence of away matches will test the team's ability to secure results in difficult settings. Travel planning and calendar management will be key aspects for the coaching staff.
When are the matches played?
The Champions League league phase will run from September 2026 to January 2027. The first matchday is scheduled for September 8-10. The calendar continues in October with the second matchday (13/14) and the third (20/21). November will see the fourth (3/4) and fifth (24/25) matchdays. December hosts the sixth matchday (8/9), while January 2027 will feature the seventh (19/20) and the eighth and final matchday on the 27th.
This extensive calendar will be interspersed with La Liga commitments, where Atletico trails leader Barcelona by two points. The immediate next challenge is an away trip to Sevilla on August 29, as listed on our fixtures page.
What does this draw mean for the season?
The path drawn for Atletico Madrid in Europe is undoubtedly ambitious. The presence of five Spanish teams in the competition -Real Madrid, Barcelona, Betis and Villarreal complete the list- shows the level of national football. Marca's report noted that Real Madrid had more luck in the draw, while Barcelona and Atletico face tougher rivals.
For Simeone and his squad, the priority will be maintaining performance on two fronts. Defensive solidity, with only two league goals conceded, and goalscoring ability must translate to Europe. Detailed squad information is available on our squad page. The clear objective is to be among the top eight in the league phase to avoid the play-off round and access the last 16 directly. The 2026/27 season looks long and full of high-level challenges.
