UEFA sets Atlético’s Champions League schedule for 26/27

Atlético de Madrid already has its Champions League schedule for the 26/27 season. The UEFA released the full league-phase list this Saturday, August 29, with match order and dates—and the group brings some particularly tough trips.

The main concern is confirmed: Atlético will have to play at Bodo/Glimt in the Arctic Circle in late January, on January 19, in the harshest period of the year in Norway. That match is also the only one in the league phase scheduled for 18:45; the rest are set for 21:00.

Starting at Anfield

The first major test comes immediately. Diego Pablo Simeone’s side will begin the league phase at Anfield against Liverpool, where Atlético lost 3-2 last season. The game is on September 9 (Wednesday).

Next comes a difficult run at home: Atlético plays Manchester United at the Metropolitano on October 13. Then they travel to Germany to face Stuttgart on October 20, followed by another home challenge against Bayern Munich, who visit Madrid on November 3.

Two straight at home

In late November, the schedule adds a new name: Vikingur will be in Spain against Atlético on November 25. From there, Atlético goes to the Netherlands to play PSV Eindhoven at the Philips Stadium on December 9, before the Arctic trip on January 19 and finishing the league phase at home against Fenerbahçe on January 27.

Overall, the format leaves Atlético with eight matches in the league phase—some at home and some away—based on the competition’s pot system, as noted in the report. The top eight qualify straight to the round of 16, while teams 9th to 24th enter a two-leg playoff with home advantage for the better-ranked sides, according to the described rules.