The euphoria of the beautiful game was discernible yesterday as the much-anticipated Champions League draw unfolded, setting the stage for Europe’s most elite clubs to clash in the quest for football’s most coveted club title.
The draw, an annual spectacle preceded by the UEFA Awards, was filled with its usual blend of excitement, suspense, and predictions, as past champions, rising stars, and underdogs learned their fates. The fate of groups has been sealed, and football aficionados are already forecasting the clashes and the potential dark horses of the competition. Here’s what it looks like.
The Draw:
Group A: Bayern Munich, Manchester United, FC Copenhagen, Galatasaray
Bayern Munich and Manchester United face off once again. The two sides have delivered Champions League classics throughout the years, none more memorable than the 1999 Champions League Final in which The Red Devils scored twice in the 90+ minute to win the coveted title. This group will also see Danish striker Rasmus Højlund return to his former side, FC Copenhagen.
Galatasaray also can’t be ruled out. They’ve assembled a strong side, with players such as Wilfried Zaha, Lucas Torreira, Dries Mertens, and Mauro Icardi all on their roster.
Group B: Sevilla, Arsenal, PSV Eindhoven, RC Lens
Arsenal are back in the Champions League at last. They make their return after seven years and based on their draw, they have a good chance of returning to the knock-out stages as well. At the time of writing, Sevilla are rock bottom of La Liga and Lens are yet to win a game in Ligue 1.
PSV are a side to watch. They have an exciting young side, with top players such as Ibrahim Sangaré and Noa Lang.
Group C: Napoli, Real Madrid, Braga, Union Berlin
After Napoli’s incredible season last year, it will be interesting to see how they fare without manager Luciano Spalletti. They’ve retained most of their key players and have looked bright at the beginning of the Serie A season. Real Madrid also look strong. Despite goalkeeper Thibault Courtois suffering from an ACL injury, their defence is solid and Jude Bellingham has made an enormous impact on the dynamic, young side.
Group D: Benfica, Inter Milan, Salzburg, Real Sociedad
Group E: Feyenoord, Atletico Madrid, Lazio, Celtic
Group F: Paris St-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, Newcastle
This is the group of death. All teams in this group are top teams and each game is a mouth-watering clash with fantastic storylines. Tonali returns to his old club. Mbappé finally makes it to Newcastle (see below video). PSG vs. Dortmund 2020 repeat. It is just incredible.
Group G: Manchester City, RB Leipzig, Red Star Belgrade, Young Boys
Manchester City always seem to get a favourable group and this year is no different. Red Star and Young Boys are unlikely to be any match for Guardiola’s side whilst RB Leipzig have started the season shakily.
Group H: Barcelona, Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk, Royal Antwerp
After Barcelona crashed out in the group stages last season, this season they have been blessed with an easier opportunity to qualify for the Round of 16.
The group stages run from the 19th of September to the 13th of December, with the Round of 16 draw on the 18th of December.
And the UEFA Awards…
The UEFA Awards preceded the draw yesterday and commended the best male and female players and coaches of the last year. The winners were as follows…
Men’s Player of the Year: Erling Haaland (Manchester City and Norway)
Women’s Player of the Year: Aitaina Bonmatí (Barcelona and Spain)
Men’s Coach of the Year: Pep Guardiola (Manchester City)
Women’s Coach of the Year: Sarina Weigman (England)
By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyH3lfgott on Twitter
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