Liverpool

Chris Collinson
BBC Sport statistician

Based on the average Uefa coefficient of their opponents, PSV Eindhoven have been handed the toughest draw in the league phase. Not only do they face the champions of England, Germany and Italy – Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Napoli – but they will also play two of the top three seeds from Pot 2 in Bayer Leverkusen and Atletico Madrid.

Manchester City and Liverpool have also been given a fairly tough gauntlet of games, with both sides drawn against 15-time winners Real Madrid. Pep Guardiola's side will also play Bayer Leverkusen and Napoli as well as two of the top seeds from Pot 4 in Galatasaray and Monaco. Arne Slot's side will play last year's finalists Inter and Atletico Madrid.

Atalanta will likely be the happiest club following the draw after being given the most favourable fixtures. While they do have to face champions Paris St-Germain and Club World Cup champions Chelsea, they were also drawn against the two lowest seeds in Pot 2 – Eintracht Frankfurt and Club Brugge – as well as two of the three lowest seeds in Pot 3 in Slavia Prague and Marseille.

Both north London clubs should also be fairly happy with the draw. While they do have to play Bayern Munich, Inter and Atletico Madrid, Arsenal were otherwise drawn against low-seeded teams in Pots 2, 3 and 4, including Celtic's Kazakh conquerors Kairat Almaty. Tottenham also received favourable draws in terms of opponents from Pots 2 and 3, avoiding the likes of Leverkusen, Atletico Madrid and Napoli.

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

If Liverpool are to make the knockout stages of the Champions League this season, then they will have to do it the hard way.

Both Madrid clubs, last season's beaten finalists and a trip to the cauldron that is Galatasaray.

Real Madrid - managed by former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso - is the most eye-catching tie for the Premier League champions, while the visit of Atletico Madrid will pose an altogether different challenge for Arne Slot's team.

Summer signing Hugo Ekitike will return to his former club Eintracht Frankfurt which will be a huge occasion for the French striker, while Slot will head back to Holland where his team face Feyenoord.

Marseille and Qarabag will not fill Liverpool with huge dread.

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Liverpool's Champions League draw is complete and Arne Slot's side now know which eight clubs they will meet in the 36-team league format, which was used for the first time last season.

The Champions League fixture list with match dates and kick-off times will be published no later than Saturday, 30 August.

The Reds will face:

Real Madrid (h),

Inter Milan (a)

Atletico Madrid (h)

Eintracht Frankfurt (a)

PSV Eindhoven (h)

Marseille (a)

Qarabag (h)

Galatasaray (a)

Champions League group phase dates:

Matchday 1: 16–18 September 2025

Matchday 2: 30 September–1 October 2025

Matchday 3: 21-22 October 2025

Matchday 4: 4-5 November 2025

Matchday 5: 2-26 November 2025

Matchday 6: 9-10 December 2025

Matchday 7: 20-21 January 2026

Matchday 8: 28 January 2026

Champions League knockout stage dates:

Knockout phase play-offs: 17-18 and 24-25 February 2026

Round of 16: 10-11 and 17-18 March 2026

Quarter-finals: 7-8 and 14-15 April 2026

Semi-finals: 28-29 April and 5-6 May 2026

Final: 30 May 2026, Budapest

See how the rest of the draw played out

Image source, Getty Images

There are six Premier League teams in this season's Champions League.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Newcastle United and Tottenham are about to find out who they will face in the league phase of the 2025-26 competition.

Follow it all unfold here

Image source, Forest Green Rovers FC

Forest Green Rovers have signed midfielder James Balagizi on a season-long loan from Liverpool.

The 21-year-old, who has been with the Premier League champions since the age of 11, has had previous spells on loan with Wigan, Crawley and Kilmarnock and Forest Green say he can play across the midfield.

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The draw has been made for the Carabao Cup third round, with 15 Premier League clubs having made it through or entering at this stage.

There are two all-Premier League ties, while holders Newcastle host League One Bradford City.

Ties will take place across two weeks, beginning on 15 and 22 September.

All the fixtures featuring top-flight sides are shown below in the order they were drawn:

• Port Vale v Arsenal

• Swansea City v Nottingham Forest

• Lincoln City v Chelsea

• Tottenham Hotspur v Doncaster Rovers

• Brentford v Aston Villa

• Huddersfield Town v Manchester City

• Liverpool v Southampton

• Newcastle United v Bradford City

• Wolves v Everton

• Crystal Palace v Millwall

• Burnley v Cardiff City

• Barnsley v Brighton

• Fulham v Cambridge United

See the full draw

The draw for the league phase of the 2025-26 Champions League will take place on Thursday in Monaco.

It will start at 17:00 BST and will follow the same procedure as the 2024-25 campaign - the first season where the 36-team league phase format took place.

The draw is made up of 27 teams that qualified via league positions, the winners of last season's Champions League and Europa League, and the seven teams that progressed out of qualifying.

This season, there are six English sides involved - Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Newcastle courtesy of finishing in the Premier League top five, and Tottenham after winning the Europa League.

The teams are split into four pots based on their individual Uefa club coefficient ranking.

Starting with pot one, each team will be drawn out individually. They will then be selected eight opponents via Uefa's automated software.

A team will play eight games in total, including two teams from each pot - one home and one away.

No group-stage fixtures can be played against teams from the same country, nor more than two against teams from the another country.

This procedure will continue until the fixtures for all 36 teams have been decided.

The Champions League fixture list with match dates and kick-off times will be published no later than Saturday, 30 August.

This article is the latest from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team.

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Professional Footballers Association's chief executive Maheta Molango says consequences for racist abuse in football stadiums must "go beyond" the protocols in place to deal with such incidents.

The opening game of the Premier League season between Liverpool and Bournemouth at Anfield was stopped for several minutes after Antoine Semenyo reported being racial abused by a supporter.

The man accused was arrested on suspicion of racial abuse and has since been handed a stadium ban. However, Molango believes criminal prosecution must follow for offenders.

"We are tired of talking about it but unfortunately racism is a societal issue and football – at times – is a reflection of society and we still live in a society where these things happen," he told BBC senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel.

"What is important is that people understand this is a criminal offence not because we just go to a stadium that it becomes something 'you can just do'.

"Its important measures are taken. Not from just a football perspective but a criminal perspective so people know where the line is - we need to be strong about that.

"There are protocols in place, we are glad to see that the player knew what to do in that situation and actioned them (the protocols).

"We need to go beyond that. We need to make sure whoever is participating in those kinds of acts face real consequences and those are criminal consequences."

Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge believes Newcastle striker Alexander Isak would be a huge asset for the Reds if they complete his signing.

The Sweden striker found the net 23 times in 34 league games last season.

Sweden striker Alexander Isak, 25, has told Newcastle he still wants to leave for Liverpool despite the intervention of club chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan and a meeting with co-owner Jamie Reuben. (Telegraph - subscription required, external)

Isak's future could determine whether Liverpool and Newcastle make a move for Juventus' 25-year-old Serbia striker Dusan Vlahovic. (Teamtalk, external)

Crystal Palace are preparing for talks with Liverpool for English attacking midfielder Harvey Elliott, 22. (Football Insider, external)

Liverpool midfielder James McConnell, 20, is set to join Ajax on loan for the 2025-26 season after the England Under-20 international signed a new five-year contract at the club. (Athletic - subscription required, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Liverpool legend John Barnes says it has been "a fantastic rise" for Rio Ngumoha after he scored the winning goal against Newcastle on Monday.

Ngumoha is now the fourth youngest player to score in a Premier League fixture and Barnes expressed his delight about the youngster's progress, telling BBC Sport: "It's been a fantastic rise for him in terms of what he did in pre-season and now coming on to score the winner, (showing) great composure in terms of the finish. So I'm pleased for him."

Barnes was asked if the teenager could become a future England senior international and said: "Absolutely, but let him grow slowly. We remember Theo Walcott, he was the same at 16. Let's not put too much expectation on him, and Liverpool will handle him well.

"He's not going to be a starter for Liverpool anytime soon. But to involve him in the squad, keep his feet on the ground, let him grow slowly, he's at the right club for that because Liverpool know how to handle their youngsters."

Ngumoha's winner made him Liverpool's youngest-ever Premier League scorer at 16 years and 361 days old.

Another former Liverpool striker John Aldridge spoke of his delight about Ngumoha's impressive pre-season performances and the "huge" future he has ahead of him.

Aldridge told BBC Sport: "I have been watching him since we got him from Chelsea. He has got so much ability it's frightening."

Luke Reddy
BBC Sport senior journalist

Moments after Liverpool's late triumph at Newcastle - thanks in no small part to a 16-year-old tasting the big time for the first time - one of the Reds' elder statesmen was getting praise from pockets of the fanbase.

The Anfield Wrap's John Gibbons simply wrote on X: "Best game Virgil has ever played for us."

The Daily Mail's Oliver Holt posted: "Van Dijk man of the match by a distance tonight. Colossus."

Football journalist Henry Winter pointed to "the immense Van Dijk".

On a night when his side held a numerical advantage for over half the fixture, Van Dijk used every fragment of his experience and leadership to haul a much-tested backline towards the finish.

He made 13 clearances under the fire of the Newcastle onslaught - more than anyone else. There were 10 headed clearances - the highest on the pitch.

In addition to the rear-guard, Van Dijk visibly beckoned Liverpool to pass more, to absorb the sting of the occasion more effectively. He completed 54 passes on the night - the highest on the pitch - and in doing so, often slowed the tempo at moments when it was called for.

So far this season, Van Dijk has completed more clearances and headed more balls away than any other defender in the Premier League.

He is 34 - the so-called twilight years of a career surround him while he holds together a creaking defensive line. How badly it might creak without him is unimaginable. Perhaps most pleasing for Liverpool fans might be that he appears to have lost none of the thirst for glory that last season's title might have quenched.

Newcastle's spirited siege might have enhanced the desire for an extra defensive option at Anfield, and Marc Guehi's name is never too far from mouths.

So far this season he has completed eight clearances and five headed clearances - around 25% of Van Dijk's output generally.

Guehi would, of course, bring other qualities. But Van Dijk stands head and shoulders above team-mates and peers, and would most likely drag the Crystal Palace defender to another level - as he has done for others in the past.

Bill Shankly famously called Ron Yeats "The Colossus".

After a night on the Tyne of heading, leading and winning, one wonders what term the Scot would conjure for Van Dijk.

Jordan Chamberlain
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Don't get me wrong, Liverpool have problems. They've conceded two goals in all three games this season. The defence looks horrible bar Virgil van Dijk - and there is nothing off the bench. We need more attackers and more defenders.

But I don't want to focus on that. Rio Ngumoha announced himself to the world with a winner 10 minutes into injury time and it feels like that is more significant. The kid is 16-years-old for a few more days and now Liverpool's youngest ever scorer.

He wowed in pre-season, but had not been used competitively yet this term until Monday night.

As a result, it was a surprise when Arne Slot gave him five minutes away to Newcastle when Liverpool were getting battered by set-pieces by a team who looked far more physically accomplished.

But Ngumoha immediately got on the ball and took on his man, almost winning a corner. His next moment was a nice touch in midfield where he fizzed the ball into a central area.

Then, his winner. What a finish. The ball was bobbling and there was nobody around him, which actually increased the pressure of the moment. He curled the ball into the far corner with aplomb. It was a goal of real precision and composure. A sublime cameo.

Liverpool now have to buy Alexander Isak, or an alternative. Ngumoha is the real deal. Arsenal have Max Dowman, Liverpool have this lad. And he has now announced himself to the world.

Find more from Jordan Chamberlain at Empire of the Kop, external

We asked for your views on Liverpool's dramatic 3-2 victory over Newcastle in the Premier League.

Here are some of your comments:

Liverpool fans

Mark: It's not about a performance. The end result is all that matters... Sign of champions to play that badly and still take three points.

Eugene: Liverpool again looked vulnerable in defence. Not going to retain the league title playing like this. Lack firepower up front. Need Isak and Guehi. Without them both, top four at best.

Hemanth: Champions doing what champions do, in a cauldron! That said, defence was poor - Konate especially so. Wirtz positioning still needs fixing and Kerkez is raw. Ngumoha and Ekitike are brilliant finds. Szoboszlai was a revelation defending and he gave his all. Have to find a way to play Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Wirtz and Szoboszlai together.

Ken: Once the dust settles on a remarkable moment for Rio Ngumoha, this was yet another performance which shows that, aside from replacing the talent to have left the squad, Liverpool need to learn how to contest and then win their individual duels. Apart from Virgil and maybe Gravenberch on occasions, the others were bullied. I would restore Robertson to the starting XI and allow Kerkez time to bed in, similar to what Robertson had to do when he first arrived. Lots of work to be done.

Newcastle fans

Simon: The Liverpool third goal was sickening as it came completely against the run of play. Gordon was playing well, but his action leading to his red card was really poor. Aside from that, Newcastle were really strong - the pressing, speed and winning the ball were all excellent. Pleased Osula came on and scored - he deserves more game time. A strong performances across the team, Bruno was excellent, as was Dan Burn. Overall this performance gives me renewed optimism. We just need to resolve the Isak situation one way or another.

Amy: Newcastle were outstanding and the lads should be proud of themselves for this performance. Liverpool didn't have a clue how to combat them and won from pure luck. Fair play to young Rio. What a feeling for him but Newcastle were the better team. Howay the lads!

Matt: Excellent from the Mags. Full-throttle football showing no fear for the league title-holders. The subs were very good and there was clear dominance for the majority of the game despite having 10 men. Liverpool were lucky but ultimately took their chances. I don't think a loss was deserved at all. I'm very pleased for Osula too. Gordon as a false nine just doesn't work. Play Osula at Leeds and I bet he scores two!

Charles: Proud of Newcastle - more spirit than any other team and one striker away from humbling Liverpool.

Ciaran Kelly
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Liverpool were certainly clinical at St James' Park on Monday. But Newcastle will still rue not pressing home their advantage with a full complement of players when the game was goalless.

Set-plays were wasted. The hosts were screaming out for a poacher to get on the end of teasing crosses that were gratefully claimed by Alisson. On the one occasion a delivery from Harvey Barnes picked out the head of Anthony Gordon, the forward failed to hit the target.

Digging deeper, Newcastle have had 26 shots in their opening two league games of the season, but Eddie Howe's side have managed just six efforts on target and two goals.

Although William Osula got on the scoresheet on Monday night, the 22-year-old is still developing and has never started a Premier League game for the club.

However, if Newcastle do not reach a breakthrough in the transfer market in the coming days, the Dane could yet line up against Leeds United on Saturday after bids were turned down for Wolves star Jorgen Strand Larsen and Brentford striker Yoane Wissa.

It was certainly not lost on Howe that one of the best strikers in the world is still on Newcastle's books – and how the hosts could have used the Alexander Isak of old.

"The quality of Alex would have made a difference in the two games," Howe said. "I don't think there's any denying that. But, that said, the team has functioned really well.

"The performance of the players and the team in the two games doesn't happen without every part of the team functioning well. You can't carry anyone in this division against any opponent. Yes, we needed to score in that first half when we were on top. Goals change games, but we're just dealing with what we have."

Howe said he was "not party to the talks that were happening" after suggestions that Jamie Reuben, the club's owner, had held face-to-face discussions with Isak, while chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan is also in town.

But, one way or the other, a resolution to this saga is finally imminent, with the window closing on 1 September.

How it is needed.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Liverpool goalkeeper David James says "it's good that they are winning" but added the Reds "look a bit vulnerable at times".

Liverpool have begun their title defence with two wins and sit third in the table after thrilling victories over Bournemouth and Newcastle.

James told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast: "Arne [Slot] has got some thinking and sorting out to do because a few things cropped up in the three games - if you include the [Community Shield] game against Crystal Palace.

"Aerially you would think Liverpool were going to be dominant with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate in there, but they look a little bit vulnerable at times. It's good that they are winning but there is still room for Arne to do some work."

The Reds have conceded four goals in their opening two Premier League games of a season for the first time since 2016-17.

Against Newcastle, they let in two goals while their opponents have been down to 10 men in a league match for the first time since December 2001 when they faced Arsenal.

Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi has been linked with a move to Anfield before the transfer deadline, with his current contract at Selhurst Park expiring at the end of this season.

• Find and follow your Premier League team on BBC Sport

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

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Everyone in and around Chelsea's Cobham training ground knew Rio Ngumoha was special.

Therefore, there was great anger when he departed for Liverpool despite multiple contract offers from the west Londoners.

Such was the strength of feeling, Chelsea were believed to have banned the Reds' youth scouts from attending academy matches.

Insiders at Chelsea now acknowledge that Liverpool and Manchester United have caught up with their own academy and that of Manchester City, which had been the most well-funded and the dominant forces in youth football for the past decade or so.

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

Image source, Getty Images

Liverpool manager Arne Slot was understandably ecstatic when 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha brought some composure to a wild evening on Tyneside with the calm late finish that gave the Premier League champions a dramatic victory over Newcastle.

It capped a fiery, frenetic encounter that barely let up for a minute, but in which Liverpool cast aside a position of relative comfort to be rocked by 10-man Newcastle, who were backed by a vociferous Toon Army.

Liverpool will take their second successive victory in defence of their crown, but it was also the second time they have given away a two-goal lead, having done the same against Bournemouth in their opening game at Anfield.

As against the Cherries, Liverpool pulled themselves out of trouble late on, but the manner in which they lost their composure so badly, especially with a numerical advantage, will be a serious concern for Slot.

Liverpool were not unsettled by quality football from Newcastle, but by the sheer intensity and force of will from Eddie Howe's side.

From looking so calm and measured when winning the title last term, this season they have looked constantly vulnerable in defence, even with the presence of Virgil van Dijk.

The big plus, apart from Ngumoha's effort, was Hugo Ekitike scoring for a second successive league game. His clinical, low finish showed exactly why Newcastle wanted him so badly before he moved to Liverpool.

Slot will take the victory, but he will have real worries about his side's defensive frailties.

Image source, Getty Images

Anthony Gordon has posted an apology on his Instagram, external story following his red card in Newcastle's 3-2 home defeat by Liverpool on Monday.

The England forward was dismissed in first-half stoppage time after an on-pitch VAR review for a late lunge on Reds defender Virgil van Dijk.

He will now be suspended for the Magpies' next three matches.

Gordon also apologised directly to Van Dijk, who had clear stud marks visible down his calf as a result of the challenge.

The message read: "I want to sincerely apologise to my team-mates and the fans. My intentions were pure. I was just trying to create energy in the game and I mistimed the tackle.

"I also want to apologise to Virgil. I would never intend to tackle somebody like this on purpose. We spoke after and he knows that.

"More importantly, I'm so proud of the time I spent on the pitch and how we played. The atmosphere from you all is what makes St James' Park so special.

"I love everything we stand for as a club and no more than right now. I'll be back and better, the same as every other setback I've ever faced. See you soon."

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