The 2025–26 UEFA Champions League begins in September with the brand-new Swiss league format, replacing the traditional group stage. Each club plays 8 league-phase matches, and with two of them scheduled this month, September already accounts for a quarter of the campaign.
The first matchday runs from 16–18 September, while the second is set for 30 September–1 October. These fixtures feature some blockbuster clashes like PSG vs. Bayern Munich and Barcelona vs. Chelsea, immediately putting top contenders to the test.
Venue-wise, most clubs play at their home grounds, but Barcelona faces uncertainty due to Camp Nou’s ongoing renovations. UEFA allowed them to begin away from home, with their stadium situation to be resolved by Matchday 2.
Overall, September is crucial because it sets the tone of the competition, gives teams the chance to gain early momentum, and shapes the qualification race for the top-eight and knockout rounds.
Tournament Format (September 2025)
The UEFA Champions League 2025–26 tournament format in September explained clearly:
• Phase: The competition is no longer called “group stage” — instead it is the league phase.
• Teams: 36 clubs take part (expanded from 32).
• Draw system: Each team is drawn to face 8 different opponents (4 at home, 4 away).
• Matchdays in September:
- Matchday 1: 16–18 September 2025
- Matchday 2: 30 September – 1 October 2025
• Format during September:
- Clubs play their first two fixtures of the league phase.
- Points are awarded in the usual way (3 for a win, 1 for a draw, 0 for a loss).
- Results from these September matches immediately shape the early league table (single standings, not groups).
September Match Details
The full UEFA Champions League 2025–26 league phase matchups for September (Matchdays 1 & 2), including dates and fixtures:
Matchday 1 – 16 to 18 September 2025
All kickoff times are in Central European Time (CET) unless noted:
Tuesday, 16 September 2025
• Athletic Club vs. Arsenal (18:45)
• PSV Eindhoven vs. Union Saint-Gilloise (18:45)
• Juventus vs. Borussia Dortmund
• Real Madrid vs. Marseille
• Benfica vs. Qarabağ
• Tottenham vs. Villarreal
Wednesday, 17 September 2025
• Olympiacos vs. Pafos (18:45)
• Slavia Praha vs. Bodø/Glimt (18:45)
• Ajax vs. Inter
• Bayern Munich vs. Chelsea
• Liverpool vs. Atlético Madrid
• Paris Saint-Germain vs. Atalanta
Thursday, 18 September 2025
• Club Brugge vs. Monaco (18:45)
• Copenhagen vs. Leverkusen (18:45)
• Eintracht Frankfurt vs. Galatasaray
• Manchester City vs. Napoli
• Newcastle United vs. Barcelona
• Sporting CP vs. Kairat Almaty
Matchday 2 – 30 September to 1 October 2025
Tuesday, 30 September 2025
• Atalanta vs. Club Brugge
• Kairat Almaty vs. Real Madrid
• Atlético Madrid vs. Eintracht Frankfurt
• Chelsea vs. Benfica
• Inter vs. Slavia Praha
• Bodø/Glimt vs. Tottenham
• Galatasaray vs. Liverpool
• Marseille vs. Ajax
• Pafos vs. Bayern Munich
Wednesday, 1 October 2025
• Qarabağ vs. Copenhagen
• Union Saint-Gilloise vs. Newcastle United
• Arsenal vs. Olympiacos
• Monaco vs. Manchester City
• Leverkusen vs. PSV Eindhoven
• Borussia Dortmund vs. Athletic Club
• Barcelona vs. Paris Saint-Germain
• Napoli vs. Sporting CP
• Villarreal vs. Juventus
Matchdays & Venue Overview
The latest on venue arrangements for the UEFA Champions League 2025–26 league phase in September:
• Matchday 1: 16–18 September 2025
• Matchday 2: 30 September – 1 October 2025
• Most clubs will host matches at their regular home stadiums as per the published fixture list .
Barcelona’s Home Venue Situation
UEFA Grants Away Start
• Barcelona requested to begin their Champions League campaign with an away match (Matchday 1) to allow extra time for the Spotify Camp Nou renovations and permit approvals. UEFA approved this request .
Stadium Renovation Delays
• Camp Nou is undergoing extensive renovations and is not guaranteed ready by mid-September. Key approvals—including occupancy licenses from city authorities—are still pending .
Potential Backup Venue: Montjuïc Olympic Stadium
• Barcelona has an agreement with the city to use the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys (Montjuïc) as a potential temporary home if Camp Nou remains unavailable .
• However, logistical challenges exist:
A Post Malone concert is scheduled at Montjuïc on 12 September, raising concerns about pitch readiness and clean-up before any early matches .
Timeline & Requirements
• UEFA allows Barcelona to finalize their home venue decision by Matchday 2 (30 September – 1 October) .
• Once selected, the chosen venue must remain consistent for all Champions League league-phase home matches—a rule UEFA strictly enforces .
Important UEFA Champions League 2025–26 in September
The importance of the UEFA Champions League 2025–26 (September fixtures) explained clearly:
1. Kick-off of the New Format
• September marks the first-ever season under the expanded “Swiss league” system.
• The early games are crucial for players, fans, and clubs to adapt to this format.
2. Setting the Tone in the League Table
• Only 8 league-phase games are played in total.
• The 2 matches in September already make up 25% of the entire league-phase campaign.
• A strong start can place a team in the top 8 race early, while a poor start puts immediate pressure.
3. Psychological Advantage
• Winning early builds confidence and momentum.
• Losing in September forces clubs into “catch-up mode”, which is dangerous with limited games.
4. Home/Away Balances
• Some teams (like Barcelona) face uncertainty with home venues in September.
• These opening fixtures may affect how well teams settle in before their full home advantage kicks in.
5. Big-Name Clashes from the Start
• Because of the Swiss draw, September fixtures already bring blockbuster matchups (e.g., PSG vs. Bayern, Barcelona vs. Chelsea, etc.).
• These matches attract global attention and shape the narrative of the tournament early.
6. Qualification Implications
• Top 8 → direct Round of 16
• 9th–24th → knockout play-offs
• 25th–36th → elimination
• September results are the foundation of whether a team looks like a contender or risks early exit.
Conclusion – UEFA Champions League 2025–26 in September
September is the launchpad of the new Champions League era under the Swiss format. With only eight league-phase games in total, the two September matchdays already hold crucial weight—a quarter of the campaign is decided in just a few weeks.
Strong performances this month not only build momentum and confidence but also position teams toward the coveted top-eight spots, securing direct Round of 16 entry. Meanwhile, setbacks in September could leave even Europe’s giants chasing points under pressure in the following rounds.
The month is also marked by high-profile clashes—such as PSG vs. Bayern and Barcelona’s uncertain home situation—which add drama and global spotlight. For fans, September offers a first taste of the thrill and unpredictability of the Champions League, setting the tone for the rest of the season.
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