City begin their Champions League campaign in Porto on Tuesday, the first of eight very different tests awaiting Enzo Maresca’s side.
City have been drawn against Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Sporting CP, Porto, Napoli, RB Leipzig, AEK Athens and Lens.
Here is our ranking of those eight fixtures, taking into account the opposition and whether City face them home or away.
8. AEK Athens – home
October 20
AEK come to the Etihad for City’s third league-phase game.
The Greek side were in Pot 4 for the draw and, with home advantage, this is a game City will expect to win.
7. Lens – away
January 20
Lens were another Pot 4 opponent, but City have to travel to France.
Coming in the penultimate round of league-phase fixtures adds a little more to the occasion.
6. RB Leipzig – away
November 4
A familiar Champions League opponent and an away trip to Germany.
Former City defender Martin Demichelis is now in charge of Leipzig, adding another connection between the clubs.
5. Sporting CP – home
January 27
City finish the league phase against Sporting at the Etihad.
Hugo Viana’s former club were drawn from Pot 2 and arrive in Manchester on the final night, when all 18 Champions League games will be played simultaneously.
4. Porto – away
September 8
The first assignment comes at the Estádio do Dragão.
City have never lost to Porto in four competitive meetings, but the Portuguese side have started their domestic season strongly and home advantage makes this a decent opening test.
3. Napoli – home
November 24
Kevin De Bruyne’s return to the Etihad gives this one an obvious subplot.
Napoli came from Pot 3, but there was plenty of quality lurking outside the top two pots and the Italian side will provide a good test in Manchester.
2. Paris Saint-Germain – home
October 14
The Champions League holders come to the Etihad for City’s second league-phase game.
PSG are one of the strongest sides City could have drawn from Pot 1, although Maresca’s side at least have home advantage.
1. Barcelona – away
December 8
Our toughest assignment takes City to Barcelona.
It will also bring a reunion with Rodri following his summer move to Barca.
A trip to Barcelona was always going to sit near the top of this list. For us, it takes No.1.
City’s Champions League fixtures
| Date | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 8 | Porto | Away |
| Oct 14 | PSG | Home |
| Oct 20 | AEK Athens | Home |
| Nov 4 | RB Leipzig | Away |
| Nov 24 | Napoli | Home |
| Dec 8 | Barcelona | Away |
| Jan 20 | Lens | Away |
| Jan 27 | Sporting CP | Home |
The eight games run from Tuesday’s opener in Porto through to Sporting’s visit to the Etihad on January 27.
There are four at home and four away, with PSG and Barcelona providing the two Pot 1 opponents.
For updates on City throughout the season, take a look at our LIVE! Premier League 2026/27 News, Transfers, Updates & Viral Moments page.
