Assane Diao and Pape Gueye learn Champions League ties

Assane Diao’s Como and Pape Gueye’s Villarreal will begin their first Champions League campaigns with demanding schedules after the league-phase draw in Monaco. Both Senegal-linked players were handed fixtures against several of Europe’s established clubs, giving their teams a difficult route into the competition.

Como, appearing in the Champions League for the first time in its history, will host reigning holders Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United. Diao’s side will also travel to Barcelona, while Real Betis, RC Lens, RB Leipzig and Feyenoord are among the other opponents drawn against the Italian club. Abdallah Sima is at Lens.

Gueye’s Villarreal also face PSG and Manchester United, along with Borussia Dortmund, Liverpool, Napoli, Fenerbahce, Sabah and Slavia Prague. The Spanish side’s home fixtures include PSG, Manchester United, Napoli and Sabah. Its away programme includes trips to Dortmund, Liverpool, Galatasaray and Slavia Prague.

The draw took place on Thursday in Monaco for the 2026-27 competition. The scale of the opposition means Como and Villarreal will have immediate tests against leading European teams, while Diao and Gueye will have the opportunity to feature on the continent’s biggest club stage.