Real Madrid Champions League 2025/26: League Phase Fixtures

Real Madrid faces one of the toughest paths in the UEFA Champions League 2025/26, with heavyweight clashes against Liverpool, Manchester City, and Juventus, as well as tricky away trips to Kairat Almaty (Kazakhstan) and Benfica.

Real Madrid’s Opening Fixture

The campaign begins at the Santiago Bernabéu on September 16, 2025, when Madrid hosts Olympique de Marseille. The match has added intrigue following recent transfer links between the two clubs.

Key Fixtures to Watch

• Away at Liverpool (November 4, 2025) – A replay of past European classics, with Trent Alexander-Arnold set for an emotional return to Anfield after his summer transfer to Madrid.
• Home vs Manchester City (December 10, 2025) – A blockbuster tie that continues the rivalry of recent years, with City having eliminated Madrid in the previous campaign.
• Away at Kairat Almaty (September 30, 2025) – A unique test for Los Blancos, not only on the pitch but also logistically, coming just days after the Madrid derby.

Fixture Challenges & Scheduling

Real Madrid’s Champions League matches are tightly packed between crucial La Liga fixtures, forcing Carlo Ancelotti’s squad to balance domestic and European priorities. The trip to Almaty is particularly demanding due to travel distance, while the January fixtures will test squad depth in the latter half of the season.

Real Madrid UCL Schedule: League Phase

UEFA Champions League 2025/26 – League Phase Matchdays

When does the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 start?

– The league phase begins on 16 September 2025

When is Matchday 1 of the Champions League 2025/26?

– Matchday 1 takes place between 16–18 September 2025.

When is Matchday 2 of the Champions League 2025/26?

– Matchday 2 will be held on 30 September–1 October 2025.

When is Matchday 3 of the Champions League 2025/26?

– Matchday 3 is scheduled for 21/22 October 2025.

When is Matchday 4 of the Champions League 2025/26?

– Matchday 4 will take place on 4/5 November 2025.

When is Matchday 5 of the Champions League 2025/26?

– Matchday 5 is set for 25/26 November 2025.

When is Matchday 6 of the Champions League 2025/26?

– Matchday 6 is on 9/10 December 2025.

When is Matchday 7 of the Champions League 2025/26?

– Matchday 7 will be played on 20/21 January 2026.

When is Matchday 8 of the Champions League 2025/26?

– Matchday 8 is scheduled for 28 January 2026.

UEFA Champions League 2025/26 – Knockout Phase Fixtures

When are the Champions League 2025/26 knockout phase play-offs?

– The play-offs will be held on 17/18 & 24/25 February 2026.

When is the Round of 16 of the Champions League 2025/26?

– The Round of 16 takes place on 10/11 & 17/18 March 2026.

When are the quarter-finals of the Champions League 2025/26?

– The quarter-finals are scheduled for 7/8 & 14/15 April 2026.

When are the semi-finals of the Champions League 2025/26?

– The semi-finals will be played on 28/29 April & 5/6 May 2026.

When is the Champions League 2025/26 final?

– The final will be held on 30 May 2026 at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary.

UEFA Champions League 2025/26 – Draw Dates

When is the draw for the Champions League 2025/26 First Qualifying Round?

– The First Qualifying Round draw will be held on 17 June 2025.

When is the draw for the Champions League 2025/26 Second Qualifying Round?

– The Second Qualifying Round draw takes place on 18 June 2025.

When is the draw for the Champions League 2025/26 Third Qualifying Round?

– The Third Qualifying Round draw is scheduled for 21 July 2025.

When is the draw for the Champions League 2025/26 Play-offs?

– The Play-off draw will be held on 4 August 2025.

When is the draw for the Champions League 2025/26 League Phase?

– The League Phase draw is on 28 August 2025.

When is the draw for the Champions League 2025/26 Knockout Phase Play-offs?

– The Knockout Phase Play-off draw will take place on 30 January 2026.

When are the draws for the Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16, Quarter-finals, Semi-finals, and Final?

– These draws will all be conducted together on 27 February 2026.

UEFA Champions League 2025/26 – Prize Money

How much do clubs earn for finishing first in the league stage of the Champions League 2025/26?

– Clubs will receive €9.9 million for finishing in first place in the league stage.

What is the prize for advancing to the round of 16 in the Champions League 2025/26?

– Teams that qualify for the round of 16 will earn €11 million.

How much do clubs earn for reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League 2025/26?

– Clubs that advance to the quarter-finals will receive €12.5 million.

What is the prize money for reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League 2025/26?

– Teams that reach the semi-final stage will be awarded €15 million.

How much do finalists earn in the Champions League 2025/26?

The runner-up (finalist) will receive €18 million.

How much does the winner of the Champions League 2025/26 earn?

– The winner will be awarded €25 million.

Group Stage Standings