Arsenal Champions League dates confirmed: when Gunners will face Real Madrid

UEFA have officially confirmed the exact dates for the league phase of the Champions League.

Arsenal found out their eight opponents during the draw in Monaco on Thursday. They will now start their European campaign against Serie A giants Napoli on the road on September 9.

After the first international break, Arsenal will host Lille on October 13 before travelling to Munich to face Bayern on October 21. The Gunners beat the German champions 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium last term.

An away trip to Slavia Prague is scheduled on November 4. This will be followed by home games against Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid, who have never beaten the Gunners in the elite competition.

After the turn of the year, the Premier League holders will be away to Spanish side Real Betis before newcomers Sabah will visit the Emirates. Both matches will be played in January.

Here is the full schedule for the league phase

Matchday Date Opponent Time (BST) Venue MD 1 Wednesday, Sept 9, 2026 Napoli 8:00 PM Away MD 2 Tuesday, Oct 13, 2026 Lille 8:00 PM Home MD 3 Wednesday, Oct 21, 2026 Bayern Munich 8:00 PM Away MD 4 Wednesday, Nov 4, 2026 Slavia Prague 8:00 PM Away MD 5 Tuesday, Nov 24, 2026 Borussia Dortmund 8:00 PM Home MD 6 Wednesday, Dec 9, 2026 Real Madrid 8:00 PM Home MD 7 Wednesday, Jan 20, 2027 Real Betis 8:00 PM Away MD 8 Wednesday, Jan 27, 2027 Sabah 8:00 PM Home

Arsenal have made terrific progress in the Champions League since their comeback in 2023/24. They reached the quarter-final that season before making the final four in 2024/25.

The club exceeded expectations to make the final last campaign. Favourites Paris Saint-Germain could not beat the Gunners in regular or extra time and required penalties to come on top.

The onus is now on Arsenal to take the next step and win a maiden Champions League title. It won’t be an easy task. The club first need to make the top eight to progress directly to the last 16.

Finishing between ninth and 24th would mean an extra knockout play-off round. Arsenal have a trickier league phase this time around and must play at their best to qualify in the top eight.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

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