Premier League Clubs Are About to Get Absolutely Wrecked in the Champions League Draw

By Lewis Barnett 29 May, 2025 5 mins read 78 Views

I've been staring at these Champions League pots for the past hour, and honestly? English clubs are in for a world of pain next season.

Look, I get it. Three out of four Premier League teams sailed through to the Round of 16 this year - Liverpool, Arsenal, and Aston Villa made it look easy. But next season's draw is setting up to be an absolute nightmare, and I'm not being dramatic here.

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The Math Doesn't Lie (Unfortunately)

Here's the brutal reality: every single team has to face TWO clubs from each pot. Not one. Two. And when you're looking at Pot 1 with Real Madrid lurking there like a final boss...

My mate who covers La Liga texted me yesterday: "Your boys are going to hate life." He's probably right.

Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea are sitting pretty in Pot 1 thanks to their UEFA coefficient scores. Sounds good, right? Wrong. They still have to play two other Pot 1 teams, and they can't draw each other because of the whole same-country rule.

Real Madrid Will Ruin Someone's Season

According to the coefficient rankings, the two strongest non-English teams in Pot 1 are Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. Think about that for a second. Any Premier League club could end up with trips to both the Bernabeu AND Munich in their league phase.

Barcelona is statistically the "easiest" Pot 1 opponent, which is like saying getting punched by a lightweight boxer is easier than getting hit by a heavyweight. You're still getting punched.

(Side note: PSG made this year's final, so maybe we shouldn't sleep on them either. Just saying.)

Pot 2 Isn't Much Better

Then you've got Pot 2 throwing curveballs left and right. Juventus with all their European pedigree. Atletico Madrid, who somehow always find a way to make your life miserable. Bayer Leverkusen coming off their incredible season. Atalanta, who play like they're caffeinated.

I spent $47 on coffee yesterday trying to map out all the possible combinations, and my head still hurts.

The Plot Thickens in Pot 3

Serie A champions Napoli are chilling in Pot 3, along with Sporting and PSV Eindhoven. Newcastle and Tottenham are scattered between Pot 3 and Pot 4 respectively, which means they're guaranteed to face some absolute monsters from the higher pots.

Poor Newcastle. They finally make it back to the Champions League, and this is what awaits them.

Everyone Else Might Have It Worse

Here's the kicker though - non-English clubs might actually be more screwed than we are. Because of the same-country restrictions, they could end up facing two Premier League teams each. Imagine being some mid-tier European club and having to play both Manchester City and Liverpool in your league phase.

That's just cruel.

Celtic might make it through qualifying (fingers crossed for the Scottish champions), and Galatasaray from Turkey are lurking in Pot 4. But honestly, at this point I'm just hoping someone, anyone, gets a slightly easier draw than what the math suggests.

The draw can't come soon enough. And also, I never want it to happen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is required to play football?

The basic football equipment includes the following: a jersey or t-shirt, shorts (or shin guards), stockings, football boots or cleats. Goalkeepers often require extra gear, such as gloves or padded clothing that protects them from injuries during dives and leaps. To maintain safety and to comply with rules, it's important that players wear the right clothing.

Is it necessary to wear football-specific clothing, or can I wear any athletic gear?

Although you can technically play football with any athletic clothing, it is recommended that you wear football-specific apparel as they are designed to improve performance and comfort. The jerseys and shorts used are made from lightweight materials, which allow air to flow freely, reducing sweat and overheating. Fit is tailored to allow for a full range motion. This can help improve agility and reaction times.

Why do football players need to wear shinguards?

Shin guards for footballers are mandatory as they offer vital protection to lower legs that are susceptible to injury in collisions and tackles. They protect the shins against serious injuries, such as fractures or severe bruises. Football's governing authority enforces the use of shinguards in order to improve player safety.

Should I wear compression gear when playing football?

Compression gear like shorts, leggings and tops may be beneficial for players of football. These items can help improve blood circulation, reduce muscular fatigue and speed up recovery following a match or training. It is believed that the material's tight fit also helps to stabilize muscles. The choice to wear compression equipment is personal. Comfort should be the main consideration when selecting this type of equipment.

How can I be sure that my football shoes are fitted correctly?

For a proper fit, your football boots should be snug, but not too tight. This will allow for movement, without allowing the foot to slide inside the boot. It is important to leave a small space between the toes on the boot's front and your thumb to avoid the toes being squeezed in during running or kicking. Selecting a boot design that is suitable for your narrow or wider feet will also be important. Try on your boots with socks, and make sure they are fully laced.

Statistics

Goalkeeper gloves with advanced grip technology have been adopted by 85% of professional goalkeepers in top leagues around the world.
Compression garments are used by about 50% of professional football players during training sessions for muscle support and injury prevention.
Studies show that the proper use of shin guards can reduce the risk of injuries in football players by up to 70%.
Data shows that thermo-bonded footballs, known for their consistent performance, are preferred by 65% of professional football clubs for matches.
A survey found that nearly 80% of football players believe that high-quality football socks are essential for optimal performance.

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How To

How to Maintain and Care for Football Equipment

By properly maintaining your football equipment, you will increase its longevity and promote good hygienic practices. After each use, boots should be cleaned and allowed to dry naturally. Avoid direct heat sources that can damage the material. Shin guards and glove should be cleaned and allowed to air out in order to avoid odor build-up. Regularly inspect your gear for signs of wear and tear, particularly on areas that experience the most stress during play. If washing apparel and protective padding, follow manufacturer's instructions to avoid shrinkage or damage to the materials.

Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/premier-league/cole-palmers-postmatch-masterclass-when-the-real-show-started-after-chelseas-trophy-win