Champions League gets underway
Real Madrid face Olympique de Marseille at the Bernabéu on Tuesday (9 pm CEST).
The Champions League is back and Real Madrid kick off this Tuesday against Olympique de Marseille at the Bernabéu (9 pm CEST). The Whites host a side they have faced four times in the top continental competition, winning every game.
This will be the first of eight games for Xabi Alonso's side in the Champions League group stage. Juventus, Manchester City and Monaco will also visit the Bernabeu, while the four away games will be against Kairat Almaty, Liverpool, Olympiacos and Benfica.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - LEAGUE PHASE SCHEDULE
Matchday 1: Real Madrid-Olympique de Marseille, Tuesday, 16 September, 9 pm.
Matchday 2: Kairat Almaty-Real Madrid, Tuesday, 30 September, 6.45 pm.
Matchday 3: Real Madrid-Juventus, Wednesday, 22 October, 9 pm.
Matchday 4: Liverpool-Real Madrid, Tuesday, 4 November, 9 pm.
Matchday 5: Olympiacos-Real Madrid, Wednesday, 26 November, 9 pm.
Matchday 6: Real Madrid-Manchester City, Wednesday, 10 December, 9 pm.
Matchday 7: Real Madrid-Monaco, Tuesday, 20 January, 9 pm.
Matchday 8: Benfica-Real Madrid, Wednesday, 28 January, 9 pm.
The final in Budapest
As last season, all 36 teams will compete in the first round, with the top eight teams advancing directly to the Round of 16. It will run from 16 September to 28 January, with the top eight teams advancing directly to the last 16 and the teams from 9th to 24th place playing an intermediate round, with two-legged ties. The remaining teams will be eliminated, without access to the Europa League.
From the round of 16, the traditional path to the final begins, which in this edition will take place on 30 May 2026 at the Puskas Arena in Budapest (Hungary).