German Clubs' European Roadmap 2026/27: Bayern Face PSG, Dortmund Take On Arsenal

Bayern Munich are immediately handed a stern test in the 2026/27 Champions League league phase: hosting Paris Saint-Germain, the team that knocked them out in last season's semifinals, as well as travelling to Atlético Madrid and Manchester United. The draw released by Bundesliga.com places Die Roten among the clubs with the toughest schedules, though their status as Bundesliga defending champions still makes them favourites.

For Bayern, the match against PSG is not merely revenge. The defeat to the team that ultimately won the competition is a spur to prove that the squad under Vincent Kompany still deserves to be reckoned with at Europe's elite level. However, trips to Atlético and Manchester United will test their consistency in domestic and European competition.

Borussia Dortmund are no less intriguing. They will travel to Arsenal in London, host Inter Milan at Signal Iduna Park, and visit Aston Villa, the 2025/26 Europa League winners. This schedule demands that Dortmund play cleverly, especially since they must face teams with different playing styles in a short span of time.

Meanwhile, RB Leipzig return to European competition after an absence. The draw immediately gives them a heavy test: facing Manchester City, the club once represented by new coach Martín Demichelis, as well as Real Madrid and Manchester United. Leipzig must prove they are ready to compete at the highest level, though their status as a European newcomer could be an advantage given the low pressure.

VfB Stuttgart, who will embark on their second Champions League campaign in the last three seasons, received a relatively balanced schedule. They will host Atlético Madrid and travel to Inter Milan, two matches that will test squad depth and the coach's tactics.

In the Europa League, Hoffenheim and Bayer Leverkusen represent Germany. Hoffenheim will face Crystal Palace, Sturm Graz, Anderlecht, Olympiacos, and Ferencváros. Leverkusen, who impressed last season, will face Marseille, Dinamo Zagreb, Beşiktaş, Red Bull Salzburg, and Lyon. The Europa League final will be held at Deutsche Bank Park, Frankfurt, on 26 May 2027.

Freiburg, last season's Europa League finalists, must settle for the Conference League after beating Motherwell 7-2 on aggregate in the play-off. They will face Trabzonspor, Twente, Panathinaikos, and Kauno Žalgiris. The Conference League final will take place at Beşiktaş Stadium, Istanbul, on 2 June 2027.

For Indonesian football, this schedule can serve as a benchmark for gauging the quality of players competing in Europe, especially if any Indonesian players are involved. However, the most important thing is how these German clubs seize the opportunity to earn points for the UEFA ranking and Bundesliga prestige.

The question is, can Bayern Munich go further than last season's semifinals? Or will Dortmund and Leipzig steal the spotlight? The league phase starting in September 2026 will be the stage for proof.