As the dust settles on an enthralling group-stage campaign in the UEFA Champions League, the footballing world has witnessed compelling narratives, exhilarating matches, and surprising outcomes. With the group stage concluded, the landscape of Europe’s most prestigious club competition has been shaped, showcasing both expected triumphs and unforeseen upsets. In this comprehensive round-up, we delve into the teams that secured their tickets to the knockout rounds, highlight the standout performers who illuminated the tournament, and analyze the unexpected exits that left fans in awe and disbelief. The stage is set for an electrifying knockout phase, but first, let’s recap the defining moments and protagonists of the captivating group stage battles.
Who qualified?
Group A: Bayern Munich and Copenhagen
Bayern Munich sauntered through unbeaten and are looking like serious contenders. They simply have too much technical quality in their team partnered with exceptional athletic prowess. Copenhagen also pipped Galatasaray to second place. Manchester United finished last.
Group B: Arsenal and PSV
Arsenal qualified without any real struggle and PSV beat Lens by a point to qualify second.
Group C: Real Madrid and Napoli
Real Madrid qualified with a perfect record, 18 points from 18. They look slick and always threatening, thanks to the ever-present Jude Bellingham. Napoli, despite star players Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Victor Osimhen dropping off in form, found a way to finish second. No player scored more than one goal for Napoli.
Group D: Real Sociedad and Inter Milan
Sociedad are looking sharp and finished top of the pile whilst Inter followed closely behind, just losing out on goal difference. Despite some good performances from Angel Di Maria, Benfica could not qualify.
Group E: Atletico Madrid and Lazio
With Griezmann firing, Atletico once again qualified for the knockout phase of the Champions League, a place where they have tended to thrive.
Group F: Dortmund and PSG
In the most closely contested group, Dortmund and PSG were the qualifiers. PSG narrowly pipped Milan on goal difference while Newcastle, who started so well, finished last with four points.
Group G: Manchester City and RB Leipzig
City easily qualified with a perfect record. RB Leipzig had a perfect record in the non-City games but succumbed to the Sky Blues twice.
Group H: Barcelona and Porto
Since Messi’s last season, Barcelona has qualified for the Champions League Round of 16 for the first time in three years. Porto joined them, also on 12 points.
Who were the stars?
Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) – Bellingham might be the best player in the world based on his current form. The English star keeps getting better and better, and he is showcasing his talents to the fullest of his abilities on the biggest stage of them all, the Champions League. In his five games, he scored four goals and created another three as Real Madrid strolled to a perfect record in the group stages.
Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid) – The Frenchman oozes class. He almost looks like he never steps out of second gear, yet he consistently outwits his opponents. With five goals and 2.3 chances created per game, Griezmann had a fantastic group stage.
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) – Bukayo Saka has proved that he is truly top-class now. Playing in the Champions League for the first time, he scored three goals and assisted four for his teammates. Defenders can’t keep hold of him. What a player.
Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) – Harry Kane is on fire. Six games, four goals, and three assists. If Harry Kane is to break his trophy drought this year, winning the Champions League would be a stylish way to do it. Kane has been sensational in the Champions League this year and with Bayern looking like they could go all the way, he could hit double digits in the tournament this season.
Who didn’t end up making it?
Somewhat unsurprisingly, Manchester United didn’t qualify, despite being the bookies’ favourite to qualify ahead of a weaker Galatasaray and Copenhagen. They had a dismal record and despite showing bright attacking glimpses, they could never hold leads and failed to protect leads. Not to mention André Onana’s shambolic goalkeeping performances…
Manchester United conceded 15 goals in the Champions League this season!
— 365Scores (@365Scores) December 13, 2023
It’s the most goals conceded by a Premier League side in the competition! #ManUtd #UCL #ChampionsLeague #365Scores pic.twitter.com/t19nXHwcCo
Newcastle and AC Milan are also disappointed not to have qualified.
What’s next?
The 2023/24 UEFA Champions League Round of 16 draw takes place on Monday 18 December.
By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyH3lfgott on Twitter (X)
