The draw for the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League group stage took place in Monaco on Thursday, with several intriguing matchups in store.
The UEFA Champions League group stage draw for the 2023/2024 season has been announced, and it promises some tantalising encounters for fans across Europe. Here’s a detailed look into each group and what we can expect.
Group A:
Teams: Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Copenhagen, Galatasaray
The marquee fixture is, undoubtedly, Bayern Munich locking horns with Manchester United. Both clubs boast a rich history in European competition and their encounters will be the ones to look out for. Copenhagen and Galatasaray, meanwhile, will aim to spring surprises and could prove to be dark horses in this group.
Group B:
Teams: Sevilla, Arsenal, PSV, Lens
Arsenal will be pleased with the draw, facing teams they’d fancy themselves against. But Sevilla’s Europa League pedigree and PSV’s recent resurgence make this group more balanced than it first appears. French side Lens, despite being the underdogs, cannot be taken lightly.
Group C:
Teams: Napoli, Real Madrid, Braga, Union Berlin
Real Madrid’s European pedigree needs no introduction, and they’ll be the favourites to top the group. Napoli will be their sternest challenge, but both Braga and the exciting Union Berlin side will be eager to make their mark.
Group D:
Teams: Benfica, Inter Milan, RB Salzburg, Real Sociedad
Inter Milan and Benfica are the traditional heavyweights in this group. However, with the attacking flair of RB Salzburg and the disciplined Real Sociedad, there’s potential for some real upsets.
Group E:
Teams: Feyenoord, Atletico Madrid, Lazio, Celtic
Atletico Madrid, with their steely defence, are likely favourites, but they’ll face tough competition from a spirited Celtic and a talented Lazio side. Feyenoord, the Dutch giants, will be keen to show they can mix it with Europe’s elite.
Group F:
Teams: PSG, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, Newcastle
Labelled the ‘Group of Death’, this one is a blockbuster. PSG, with their star-studded line-up, face former champions AC Milan, the vibrant Borussia Dortmund, and a resurgent Newcastle. Matches in this group promise goals, drama, and top-tier football.
Group G:
Teams: Manchester City, RB Leipzig, Red Star Belgrade, Young Boys
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City will be eyeing the top spot, but they’ll face stiff competition from Julian Nagelsmann’s RB Leipzig. Red Star’s passionate home support will make their stadium a fortress, while Young Boys, the Swiss champions, are never an easy side to face.
Group H:
Teams: Barcelona, Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk, Royal Antwerp
Barcelona’s pedigree is undeniable, and they’ll be favourites to top this group. However, Porto’s European know-how, Shakhtar’s technical style, and the Belgian surprise package, Royal Antwerp, promise to make every matchday an intriguing affair.
Final Thoughts:
The Champions League, often called the pinnacle of club football, has once again delivered a group stage draw that keeps fans on the edge of their seats. With traditional rivalries renewed, underdogs looking to make their mark, and European giants setting their sights on the ultimate prize, the 2023/2024 season promises to be one for the ages!
