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Lastly, it is time for the UEFA Champions League group stage! The street to the ultimate started again in June with the primary qualifying spherical and now, the sphere of 78 groups has been whittled all the way down to 32 and the teams have been drawn. Now we all know the place the narratives are, and there are lots — Robert Lewandowski will rejoice his Barcelona transfer with a bunch date in opposition to Bayern Munich, whereas Borussia Dortmund will even get to test in on former striker Erling Haaland and his new membership, Manchester City.
Elsewhere, Liverpool face Ajax and Napoli in Group A, Chelsea sq. off with AC Milan and defending champions Real Madrid get a reasonably light touchdown spot in Group F with RB Leipzig, Celtic and Shakhtar Donetsk.
– UCL draw: Barcelona vs. Bayern Munich, Man City get Borussia Dortmund
– UCL draw as it happened: Social reaction, analysis, more
– Putellas named UEFA women’s player of the year
How will all of it play out? ESPN’s Julien Laurens (Teams A, B, C), James Olley (Teams D, E) and Rob Dawson (Teams F, G, H) have assessed every group to foretell the massive video games and the groups that can advance to the last-16.
Bounce to: Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D | Group E | Group F | Group G | Group H
Table of Contents
GROUP A
Ajax, Liverpool, Napoli, Rangers
That is one other nightmarish group, however maybe rather less tough than Group C seems to be on paper. However simply take a look at Edwin Van der Sar, Ajax’s vice-president, when the draw was made. Liverpool have been the staff to keep away from from Pot 2 and Napoli the one to keep away from from Pot 3, but Ajax received them each! Good luck to Alfred Schreuder for his first season on the Ajax bench. They’ve misplaced key gamers and are nonetheless proficient, however they lack expertise. They began their season with a heavy defeat in opposition to PSV within the Dutch Tremendous Cup, however have discovered type within the Eredivisie to this point — they’re taking part in higher than Liverpool, that is for positive.
Jurgen Klopp and his staff are going by way of their worst begin for the reason that arrival of the German with two attracts and a loss at Manchester United. He would not like his seventh season at a membership normally, however this could possibly be totally different. You may anticipate Liverpool to be again to their finest as soon as their injured (Diogo Jota, Thiago, Naby Keita, Joel Matip to call simply 4) and suspended gamers (Darwin Nunez) are again, and as soon as their defenders are keen to defend once more.
Proper now, probably the most in-form staff is Napoli. Luciano Spalletti and his gamers are trying good and profitable in model. They might want to face more durable opponents than Hellas Verona and Monza to show they’re the actual deal this season each in Europe and in Serie A however they’re trying promising with their new signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia shortly turning into the brand new hero in Naples.
Then, there are Rangers who made it to the group stage for the primary time in 12 years. They don’t have anything to lose and Ibrox might be rocking like by no means earlier than. It’s a nice achievement to achieve this stage; from right here, the whole lot is a bonus. The intention might be to disrupt this group as a lot as doable: ending within the prime two is likely to be too tough, however the dream is on to complete third and qualify for the Europa League.
Should-see match: Napoli vs. Liverpool
The Reds have already misplaced twice on the Stadio San Paolo and there could possibly be a 3rd time. The environment goes to be incandescent and Napoli have lots of high quality to hassle a Liverpool aspect that’s nonetheless looking for type and stability.
Predicted end: Liverpool, Napoli, Ajax, Rangers
They’re three golf equipment for the highest two spots, in fact. I really feel that Ajax are a bit too younger possibly, though proficient, to compete with Napoli and Liverpool over the six group video games and can fall quick. It will not be straightforward for Klopp and Spalletti’s groups, however I anticipate them to undergo with Ajax in third whereas Rangers will get factors on the board however not sufficient to make it to the Europa League.
GROUP B
This isn’t the perfect or most tough group on this draw, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a really attention-grabbing one as a result of it is eclectic and boasts some underrated narratives.
Porto and Atleti meet once more already after the feisty affairs in final season’s group stage! Atletico have already been underwhelming this season, dropping in opposition to Villarreal. They appear to nonetheless be looking for their id and because of this, their attacking recreation continues to be a piece in progress. They’ve the expertise, and a great deal of it, however are usually not utilizing it properly. If the Joao Felix/Alvaro Morata partnership actually takes off, then the dialogue might be very totally different.
For now, Porto could cause them a great deal of issues. Sergio Conceiçao misplaced some massive gamers in the summertime (Fabio Vieira to Arsenal, Vitinha to Paris Saint-Germain), however have additionally made some attention-grabbing signings (David Carmo, Gabriel Veron). Porto will play with depth and with confidence and might be tough to play in opposition to, principally the exact opposite of Bayer Leverkusen.
What’s going on with the German aspect? They’ve had a surprising begin of the season, with three defeats in three Bundesliga video games and a loss within the German Cup in opposition to a third division aspect! Gerardo Seoane is below big stress and the staff has gone from being improbable to observe final season to being common this yr. By the point the group stage is over, they could have modified managers, however except their star gamers’ (Patrik Schick, Moussa Diaby) take pleasure in an up-tick in type, they will not go far.
As for Membership Brugge, they misplaced their finest participant this summer season in Charles De Ketelaere, whereas captain Hans Vanaken may be on his technique to West Ham earlier than the top of the switch window. Add the lack of Philippe Clément, the supervisor who made them so good earlier than leaving for Monaco half means by way of final season, and you’ve got a staff that can battle to compete with the opposite three groups.
Should-see match: Porto vs. Atletico Madrid
Final season, this recreation was stuffed with depth, preventing, aggression and drama and I anticipate this season’s one to be precisely the identical. The way in which these two groups play, it may well solely be fireworks! And the end result may have a big effect on the result of the group too.
Predicted end: Porto, Atletico, Leverkusen, Brugge
Regardless of dropping some key gamers this summer season, I’ve a superb feeling about this Porto aspect. I feel they might have realized loads from final season’s group stage matches with Atletico, Milan and Liverpool, after they completed third. They are going to prime the group this time and Atletico might be too sturdy for Bayer Leverkusen for the second spot except the German staff finds its rhythm and shortly.
GROUP C
Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Victoria Plzen
That is the worst group of all, particularly for Viktoria Plzen! Extra critically, Bayern, Barcelona and Inter are the three finest groups in a single single group this season. It is going to be epic!
Bayern are the overwhelming favorites, with supervisor Julian Naglesmann’s new 4-2-2-2 formation and the arrival of Sadio Mané. They’ve appeared improbable to this point this season, and they’ll need to redeem themselves after final season’s disappointing and sudden exit in opposition to Villarreal. Barcelona proceed their reconstruction below Xavi. Their monetary scenario has been one of many sagas of the summer season. They’ve made nice signings in Robert Lewandowski, Jules Koundé, Andreas Christensen, Raphinha and Franck Kessie whereas Ousmane Dembélé signed a contract extension. Now Xavi has to make them play properly collectively.
Inter play properly collectively already and the return of Lukaku will solely make them stronger and extra bodily. Final season was an amazing studying curve in Europe and this staff retains rising, like their supervisor, even when they narrowly missed out on the Serie A title. They aren’t at their finest simply but, however it’s only a matter of time.
Should-see match: Bayern vs. Barcelona
Name it the Lewandowski derby! It is going to be immense. What sort of reception will he get? What sort of mindset will he be in? Earlier than the draw began, all people appeared to know that Bayern would draw Barca. On prime of that not-so-happy reunion, it is usually a rendezvous for 2 groups who’ve placed on some epic, humiliating video games over the previous few years. It was once the Spanish giants humbling Bayern, however Bayern have greater than exacted revenge within the years since: keep in mind their 8-2 mixture win in 2020? Lionel Messi and Jerome Boateng are usually not there anymore however it should nonetheless be an amazing one.
Predicted end: Bayern, Inter, Barcelona, Plzen
Bayern will win the group, which seems like a reasonably straightforward decide. They’ve been spectacular to this point this season, and Julian Naglesmann is best already in his second season. I anticipate them to undergo comfortably. From there, the struggle for second place is actual. Inter or Barca? Barca or Inter? I like what Simone Inzaghi did final season, taking his staff to the last-16 for the primary time in 10 years, and Inter have added Romelu Lukaku again to their squad: he’ll make an enormous distinction. But you possibly can say the identical for Lewandowski at Barcelona! Can they each undergo please in addition to Bayern? No? Okay, my cash is on Inter then, however solely simply.
GROUP D
Tottenham’s return to the Champions League for the primary time since 2019-20 seems to be inviting… in principle, anyway. They’ve prevented Europe’s heavyweights — having drawn Actual Madrid in 2017, Barcelona in 2018 and Bayern Munich in 2019 — however there are query marks, not least round supervisor Antonio Conte who has by no means translated his home success onto the European stage.
The Italian has gained simply 12 of his 54 Champions League group matches with Chelsea, Inter Milan and Juventus and though there have been mitigating circumstances, let’s not neglect they exited the Europa Convention League final time period on the group stage.
Final season’s Europa League winners Frankfurt will check their resolve whereas Sporting Lisbon, making their tenth group-stage look, have improved below Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim. Marseille don’t have any fewer than 4 gamers with connections to Arsenal, Tottenham’s north London rivals, of their ranks: Matteo Guendouzi, Alexis Sanchez, Sead Kolasinac and Nuno Tavares. Actually, Tavares continues to be with the Gunners, on mortgage on the Ligue 1 membership, and he has the prospect to endear himself to supporters of his mother or father membership by upsetting Spurs’ progress.
Should-see match: Eintracht vs. Tottenham
The environment on the Deutsche Financial institution Park might be fearsome and the hardest check of Tottenham’s group stage prospects. Spurs solely gained one among 4 away video games of their final Champions League marketing campaign (2019-20) whereas they have been overwhelmed 2-1 by NS Mura in one among Antonio Conte’s first video games in cost, a Europa Convention League contest in November. Nevertheless, Frankfurt completed eleventh within the Bundesliga final season and Spurs have strengthened considerably below Conte.
Predicted end: Tottenham, Eintracht, Sporting, Zagreb
This can be a powerful group to name given there aren’t any standout groups, however Tottenham ought to have the standard to prevail. A number of gamers who reached the 2019 ultimate nonetheless stay — most clearly Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son, who know what it takes to thrive on this competitors. Frankfurt appear to lift their recreation in Europe and their outstanding assist may assist take them above Sporting and Marseille. However in fact, all 4 sides will consider they’ve a really actual probability of qualifying.
GROUP E
AC Milan and Chelsea have a wealthy historical past on this competitors, however they’re pitched collectively in Europe’s premier membership competitors for the primary time since 1999. Milan, seven-time winners and present Serie A champions, will harbour excessive hopes of going higher than final season’s group stage exit and at 40 years of age, this could possibly be Zlatan Ibrahimovic‘s ultimate Champions League marketing campaign.
Chelsea — two-time winners, together with in 2021 — have been knocked out in agonising style on the quarterfinal stage by Real Madrid final outing, who’ve since signed defender Antonio Rudiger on a free switch. FC Salzburg will embark upon their fourth consecutive group stage marketing campaign and boast a ahead line lead by Benjamin Sesko. The 19-year-old attracted curiosity from Chelsea previous to signing for RB Leipzig, however that deal doesn’t kick in till 2023 and so Sesko could have an opportunity to indicate the Blues first-hand what they missed out on.
Dinamo Zagreb certified by way of the play-offs, overturning a primary leg deficit in opposition to Norwegian aspect Bodo/Glimt to achieve the group stage after a three-year absence.
Should-see match: Chelsea vs. AC Milan
Sure to be one of many pivotal matches within the group, this recreation will even see two former Chelsea gamers return to Stamford Bridge for the primary time: Olivier Giroud, Fikayo Tomori and Tiemoue Bakayoko. All could have factors to show. Giroud moved on final summer season after struggling for normal game-time below Thomas Tuchel. Tomori got here by way of the Chelsea academy below Tuchel’s predecessor Frank Lampard, however ended up on mortgage at Milan earlier than making a everlasting transfer on the finish of final season. Bakayoko is on mortgage from Chelsea, however UEFA guidelines don’t prohibit gamers that includes in opposition to their mother or father golf equipment.
Predicted end: AC Milan, Chelsea, FC Salzburg, Dinamo Zagreb
Chelsea are nonetheless scrambling to strengthen their squad within the ultimate days of the switch window and with the group stage beginning in early September, Tuchel could have little time to work in any extra new gamers. Milan have an opportunity to steal an early benefit which can make them tough to catch however Chelsea ought to nonetheless qualify. Salzburg are prone to make it powerful, however they solely simply received out of a weaker group final season – beating Sevilla 1-0 on matchday six to safe second place – earlier than being thrashed by Bayern Munich within the spherical of 16.
GROUP F
Actual Madrid, RB Leipzig, Shakhtar Donetsk, Celtic
Actual Madrid have gained the Champions League 5 occasions within the final 9 years and have reached one other 5 semifinals since 2010-11 so there needs to be little doubt about their prospects. They did not get Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland and Casemiro and joined Manchester United however they’re nonetheless a formidable staff who know the best way to win this competitors. On prime of that, they’ve Karim Benzema within the type of his life and on track to be named the perfect participant on this planet. Carlo Ancelotti will like his probabilities of selecting up one other winners’ medal in June.
Group F additionally sees Shakhtar Donetsk flying the flag for Ukraine whereas the nation is at struggle with Russia, a scenario which means Shakhtar must play their house video games at Stadion Wojska Polskiego in Warsaw. RB Leipzig might be hoping to make it to the last-16 after operating into Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain of their group final season whereas Celtic, returning to the group phases for the primary time in 5 years, might be eyeing up Actual Madrid for a shock at Celtic Park after beating Lionel Messi‘s Barcelona 2-1 on a memorable night time in 2012.
Should-see match: Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Actual Madrid
Shakhtar Donetsk are taking part in their Champions League video games in Poland because of the ongoing struggle with Russia however it should nonetheless a momentous event to welcome Actual Madrid, the reigning champions of Europe. Each video games might be emotional night time given what is going on in Ukraine however Shakhtar, who reached the final 16 in 2018, are usually not right here to make up the numbers and can give Carlo Ancelotti’s staff a troublesome examination.
Predicted end: Actual Madrid, Celtic, RB Leipzig, Shakhtar Donetsk
Actual Madrid do not at all times make gentle work of the group phases but when final season’s Champions League triumph proved something, it is that it is best to by no means wager in opposition to them. The remainder of the group is up for grabs and Celtic, RB Leipzig and Shakhtar Donetsk will all will a possibility to qualify. Celtic have not been within the group phases since 2017-18 and have not progressed to the knock-outs rounds since 2012-13 however the environment their followers can generate on European nights below the lights at Celtic Park may give them an edge. Even Actual Madrid may get turned over in Glasgow.
GROUP G
Manchester Metropolis, Sevilla, Borussia Dortmund, FC Copenhagen
Manchester Metropolis have reached the semifinals and the ultimate within the final two seasons and have already been put in among the many favourites for the competitors this time round. Their group stage draw will not change that, however there’s sufficient hazard in video games in opposition to Sevilla and Borussia Dortmund to fret Pep Guardiola. Neither staff made it out of their teams final season. however catch them on the mistaken day and Dortmund or Sevilla are able to beating anybody; Guardiola will know full properly concerning the menace they pose.
FC Copenhagen have not been within the group stage since 2016-17 and the champions of Denmark will want one thing near a miracle to repeat their efficiency in the course of the 2010-11 marketing campaign, after they made it to the last-16 and have been ultimately ousted by Chelsea over two legs. The 2 battles between Sevilla and Dortmund needs to be thrilling video games after their last-16 tie in 2021 ended with the Bundesliga aspect edging it 5-4 on mixture. Erling Haaland scored 4 of Dortmund’s 5 targets throughout the 2 video games, however this yr might be lining up for Group G opponents Manchester Metropolis.
Should-see match: Man Metropolis vs. Borussia Dortmund
This tie will see Haaland return to his former membership in his first season on the Etihad Stadium. The Norwegian striker stated in the summertime that he moved to Man Metropolis to win competitions just like the Champions League, and he’ll should get the higher of Dortmund if needs to progress. Dortmund took 4 factors off Man Metropolis in the course of the 2012-13 group stage as Roberto Mancini’s staff completed backside.
Predicted end: Manchester Metropolis, Sevilla, Borussia Dortmund, FC Copenhagen
Manchester Metropolis have become group stage specialists below Guardiola and it could be a serious shock in the event that they did not end prime of Group G, not to mention not make it by way of in any respect. The battle for second place is prone to be between Sevilla and Borussia Dortmund and though Sevilla have been knocked out within the group stage final season, they’ve the sting in opposition to a Dortmund staff who’re nonetheless studying to manage with out Haaland. The German aspect struggled final season too and have been eradicated from a bunch which included Ajax, Sporting Lisbon and Besiktas.
GROUP H
Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Benfica, Maccabi Haifa
Will this lastly be the yr Paris Saint-Germain get their arms on the Champions League trophy? With Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, they’ve a squad to rival any on this planet however they’ve managed to develop the tag of Champions League chokers that will not disappear till they elevate the trophy. They have not been knocked out on the group stage since 2004 and shouldn’t have any downside getting by way of Group H this yr — it is afterward that they appear to run into issues. Final season they have been getting ready to knocking out Actual Madrid within the last-16 earlier than throwing it away.
Juventus will pose a stern early check however they Italians are on the lookout for their very own redemption after slipping up within the second spherical in every of the final three seasons. Their drought since they final gained the Champions League is now at 26 years — far too lengthy for a membership of their dimension and sources. Benfica pose the strongest menace to PSG and Juventus after reached the last-eight final season whereas Maccabi Haifa from Isreal have solely made it to the group phases twice earlier than in 2002-03 and 2009-10.
Should-see match: PSG vs. Juventus
You may’t ask for extra from a bunch stage recreation than two heavyweights paired collectively and Paris Saint-Germain in opposition to Juventus is precisely that. They’ve by no means performed a aggressive recreation earlier than however they’re two groups who is not going to solely be trying to end prime of Group H, they will each have ambitions to go on and win the competitors. PSG might be one among the many favourites to elevate the trophy and Juventus is an early check of their credentials.
Predicted end: Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, Benfica, Maccabi Haifa.
Juventus will edge the 2 video games with PSG, permitting the Serie A aspect to assert prime spot in Group H. PSG should have no downside qualifying for the last-16 even in opposition to a Benfica aspect who will buoyed by their run to the quarterfinals final season. Darwin Nunez was key to their success final season and the striker has departed for Liverpool so the 2 prime seeds needs to be too sturdy.
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