"Top 8 must be mandatory" - Fans react as Borussia Dortmund learn their Champions League opponents

Borussia Dortmund were handed a relatively easy draw for the League Phase of the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League season as fans expect the side to reach the Round of 16.

A rematch with last year's opponents Inter Milan, Villarreal and Bodo/Glimt is scheduled, while another visit to Emirates beckons as BVB were drawn against Premier League champions Arsenal.

The sides clashed ealier this month in the Emirates Cup preseason encounter where Dortmund prevailed 3-2 in London. But in Europe, this will be their first meeting since 2014.

Niko Kovac's side also drew Europa League champions Aston Villa, who play hosts to them at the Villa Park while a visit to Baku, Azerbaijan also awaits against Sabah.

Real Betis, making their first Champions League appearance since 2005-06 season, are set for a first meeting with Die Borussen while Greek champions AEK Athens also come to town.

Following a promising squad revamp, Dortmund are among the dark horses at the tournament and preaviling sentiment among supporters is that of a knockout stage progress without hassle.

Here's how the fans reacted to the draw:

Dortmund confirmed to wear purple jerseys for the Bodo/Glimt visit has this fan excited:

So against Bodo, the purple sexy jersey gets pulled out. Cramer is already firing away.

This X user felt the BVB are in a different tournament given the quality of fixtures:

Apart from Arsenal and Inter, those are just EL games. CL has turned into complete ass.

One fan was sure of their progression:

You have to finish in the top 8 against these opponents. #BVB

This X user felt the BVB could win all but one of these games:

Realistically, you have to win every one—except maybe Arsenal.

Another fan gave a full prediction of Dortmund's league phase matches:

17 points (Away at Arsenal: L, at Aston Villa: D; Home vs. Inter: D; wins in the rest) Let's go!

This fan expects a tought clash in Norway against Bodo/Glimt:

Advancing is a must—there’s no debate about that; the only thing that might give us some anxiety is the away match against Bodø/Glimt.

This fan feels there's room for complaint for BVB fans:

You can hardly complain, and it could have been much tougher—especially since the arguably stronger opponents are all coming to Dortmund!

One X user had this ominous warning for head coach Niko Kovac:

Kovac should be kicked out of the club for life if we don't finish in the top eight.

Another X user who made a curious observation:

We might have problems against Inter, all the others are doable, we always beat Spanish teams anyway unless it's Barca or Real, otherwise everything's easy.