Slavia Praha will host Arsenal and Aston Villa in the league phase of the Champions League following the official draw in Monaco, according to tournament organizers and club reports. The Czech champions were placed into the 36-team single-table format for the third year under the tournament’s modern structure, keeping them among Europe’s elite clubs without needing to navigate the qualification rounds.
Home Matchups: Arsenal Return and Aston Villa Test in Eden
The Czech champions also face Aston Villa, the reigning Europa League winner, at home alongside Villarreal and Lens. Arsenal arrives following a strong campaign under manager Mikel Arteta, anchored by an attacking core that includes Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Martinelli, alongside playmaker Martin Ødegaard, according to coverage from LF Report. Slavia previously faced Arsenal in the 2020-21 Europa League quarterfinals and during their 2007 Champions League debut, when the English club handed the Prague team a 0-7 defeat that remains their heaviest loss in European competition.
Did you know? Slavia’s match against Lens revives a historical pairing from the 1995-96 UEFA Cup, where the Czech side advanced during a memorable run to the semifinals.
Away Trips: Bayern Munich, Porto, and a Long Journey to Azerbaijan
Four away matches await Prague in the league phase, featuring a trip to Munich to face Bayern, a journey to Istanbul to play Fenerbahce, and an away fixture against Porto, according to the official draw results. The club’s furthest away trip sends them to face tournament newcomer Sabah from Azerbaijan in Baku. Slavia has no prior competitive history against Bayern Munich or Sabah, setting up high-stakes inaugural fixtures against both clubs. Midfielder Michal Sadílek noted in a club media recording that the caliber of opponents leaves little room for preference, pointing to the strength of clubs from top-tier leagues like England and Germany. Slavia enters this phase looking to improve on last season’s campaign under coach Jindřich Trpišovský, where the team finished 34th with three draws and five losses across eight matches.
Tournament Format and Key Dates
The league phase begins on Tuesday, September 8, and concludes with the eighth round on January 27 of next year, with UEFA scheduled to release the exact fixture calendar soon. Under the current format, all 36 participants form a single league table, with the top 24 clubs advancing to the knockout rounds and the top eight securing direct entry into the round of 16. The final is scheduled for June 5 in Madrid, with Paris St. Germain holding the status of defending champion. Slavia will rely on tactical discipline and home support in Eden to target an upset against top-seeded opposition, according to preview analysis from LF Report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Slavia’s home opponents in the Champions League?
Slavia will host Arsenal, Aston Villa, Villarreal, and Lens at the Eden Arena.
Where will Slavia play their away matches?
The Prague team travels to face Bayern Munich, Porto, Fenerbahce, and tournament newcomer Sabah in Azerbaijan.
When does the league phase start?
The opening matches of the league phase kick off on Tuesday, September 8.
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