Barcelona’s path to European success has become significantly more challenging. In the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League group stage draw, the Catalan club faces a daunting task, with two top Premier League sides expected to be part of their group.
Following a frustrating Champions League campaign last season that ended in a semi-final defeat to Inter Milan, Barcelona are eager to bounce back and end their decade-long wait for European silverware.
However, the revamped draw format—which includes six English clubs: Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur—adds considerable difficulty for Hansi Flick’s squad.
Due to UEFA rules preventing teams from the same country from being grouped together, Barcelona could be drawn against two English sides in the league phase.
This might pit them against elite opponents such as Arsenal or set up challenging ties against tricky sides like Tottenham or Newcastle.
The structure of the new draw has undeniably raised the stakes, making Barcelona’s progression through the group stage more complex.
With the draw scheduled for August 28, Flick’s team must brace for intense competition from the Premier League’s finest if they hope to reestablish themselves as Europe’s elite.
Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal has declined to comment on the iconic Barcelona number 10 shirt, stating he won’t address the topic until Ansu Fati departs the club
