The serious business now begins in the 2024-25 Champions League. On Thursday, UEFA held the draw for the league phase – introduced for the first time this season. Real Madrid, the reigning champions, were among the teams to learn their opposition for matches taking place between September and January.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side will have drawn against Borussia Dortmund (home) and Liverpool (away) from Pot 1; AC Milan (home) and Atalanta (away) from Pot 2; RB Salzburg (home) and LOSC Lille (away) from Pot 3; Stuttgart (home) and Stade Brestois (away) from Pot 4.
The standout fixtures are the repeat of last season’s final, which saw Real Madrid defeat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in London, a trip to Anfield (where Los Blancos won 5-2 in their last meeting with Liverpool) and reunion for Carlo Ancelotti against AC Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The schedule for these fixtures is to be determined in the coming days. Regardless, Real Madrid will be confident of finishing inside the top 8 to secure automatic progression to the last 16.
