Champions League draw: Arsenal vs. Madrid, Barcelona vs. PSG highlight league phase - ESPN

Paris Saint-Germain have been handed a tough start to the defense of their Champions League trophy, with Thursday's 36-team league phase draw assigning them a home clash with coach Luis Enrique's former side Barcelona as well as trips to 2023 winners Manchester City and Europa League holders Aston Villa.

PSG have won three straight visits to Barcelona — including a 2-1 win in the league phase last October — since imploding in the famous 6-1 loss in March 2017 that is known as the «Remontada» game.

The French champions also visit Champions League newcomers Como, coached by Cesc Fàbregas, in an eight-game slate that starts in two weeks' time.

Last year's beaten finalists Arsenal also face an unenviable league phase schedule, up against record 15-time winners Real Madrid along with German duo Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.

✅ Home and away opponents for Pot 1 teams