The groups were drawn in Monaco on Thursday, with United’s co-owner Ratcliffe and the club’s chief executive officer, Berrada, in attendance. So, who will United face? Michael Carrick’s side will begin the campaign at home against Bayern Munich, a rematch of a meeting from three years ago when the German side won. The Red Devils will also host AS Roma, RB Leipzig, and Sabah, the latter a club from Azerbaijan competing in Europe for the first time in its history. Sabah’s rapid rise followed a dramatic playoff victory, with late goals helping secure a 6-4 aggregate win after extra time.
On the road, United will travel to Atletico Madrid, with other away assignments including Sporting, Villarreal, and Como, the latter led by former star Cesc Fabregas. The draw promises a challenging path with high-caliber opponents across home and away fixtures.
Reaction on social media highlighted the tense atmosphere among fans and observers as the draw unfolded, with many noting the faces in the leaders’ box as the group was revealed.
In addition to the group stage opponents, Sabah—the youngest club in the lineup—has made a rapid ascent to European competition. Sabah’s path to the group phase was dramatic: after losing the first leg 1-0 to Hapoel, they trailed 2-1 late in the second leg. They rallied with two late goals, sending the match to extra time, where Hapoel were reduced to nine men. Sabah went on to win 5-2 in extra time, overturning a 6-4 aggregate deficit to secure their spot.
Here is a full snapshot of the Champions League draw for the Premier League clubs:
– Arsenal: Real Madrid (H), Bayern Munich (A), Borussia Dortmund (H), Real Betis (A), Lille (H), Napoli (A), Sabah (H), Slavia Prague (A)
– Aston Villa: Barcelona (A), PSG (H), Borussia Dortmund (H), Club Brugge (A), Fenerbahce (H), Galatasaray (A), Viking (H), Slavia Prague (A)
– Liverpool: Inter Milan (A), Atletico Madrid (H), FC Porto (H), Club Brugge (A), Villarreal (H), Fenerbahce (A), Lens (H), LASK (A)
– Manchester City: PSG (H), Barcelona (A), Sporting CP (H), FC Porto (A), Napoli (H), RB Leipzig (A), AEK Athens (H), Lens (A)
– Manchester United: Atletico Madrid (A), Bayern Munich (H), Roma (H), Sporting CP (A), RB Leipzig (H), Villarreal (A), Sabah (H), Como (A)
Note: This article focuses on the club draw, the clubs involved, and the historical context of Sabah’s rapid ascent to Europe. The content has been restructured to ensure clarity and a publication-ready presentation while preserving all essential facts and context.
