Sun Aug 31 19:10:00 UTC 2025: **Here’s a summary and rewrite of the text as a news article:**

**Summary:**

The Champions League draw has set the stage for compelling matchups, including Real Madrid facing Liverpool and Manchester City, while defending champions PSG have a challenging path against Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and other tough opponents. The new league phase format, featuring 36 teams, promises long trips, potential returns for former players, and a competitive race to the knockout stages. Mark Ogden suggests it could be difficult for PSG to repeat as champions given their tough draw.

**News Article:**

**Champions League Draw Delivers Blockbuster Matchups, Tough Road for PSG**

MONACO – The Champions League draw has produced a series of tantalizing matchups, setting the stage for a thrilling season under the new league phase format. Record holders Real Madrid face a daunting challenge, drawing both Liverpool and Manchester City. Liverpool’s coach, Arne Slot, acknowledged the global interest in their clash with Madrid, potentially marking Trent Alexander-Arnold’s return to Anfield after his summer move. Real Madrid will also face Juventus, Marseille, Monaco and Kairat Almaty.

Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) face an equally arduous path. They’ve been drawn against Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, and Athletic Bilbao. “It’s always difficult,” admitted PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi.

Other notable fixtures include Chelsea hosting Barcelona and Arsenal, a semi-finalist last year, facing Inter Milan. Kevin De Bruyne is also set for a return to Manchester with Napoli.

This is the second season of the revamped format, featuring 36 teams competing in a single-table league phase. The top eight teams will advance to the round of 16, while teams ranked ninth to 24th will compete in playoffs for the remaining spots.

The draw also introduces four newcomers to the Champions League stage: Bodo/Glimt, Kairat Almaty, Russian-owned Pafos and Belgian champion Union Saint-Gilloise, bringing new challenges in terms of travel and climate.

Matches begin on September 16th, culminating in a simultaneous kickoff of all 18 league phase games on January 28th.

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