The Champions League group stage draw was finalised today. Several clubs across the continent will be pleased with who they are going to face in this years tournament while others will be discontent. There are teams who are in this year’s tournament for the first time in a while so it will be interesting to see how they will fare. Here are the standout group games we think you should keep your eyes on.
Group A : Bayern Munich vs Manchester United
German giants Bayern Munich were drawn against Ten Hag’s red devils. This will be a huge test for Manchester United given the firepower that Bayern Munich have a their disposal. Their firepower consists of Kingsley Coman , Jamal Musiala, Serge Gnabry, Leroy Sane and tallisman Harry Kane. Interestingly these two sides have not played each other since David Moyes was managing Man United in the 13/14 season. On that occasion the German giants defeated Man United 3-1 at the Allianz Arena in the second leg of a Champions League Quarter final.
Group C : Napoli and Real Madrid
Serie A champions are up against European royalty in the shape of Real Madrid. This is not the Real Madrid of old that three peated with Ronaldo , Benzema and Bale so Napoli should not have too much too fear. These two last came up against each other in the second leg of a last 16 tie in the 16/17 season. On that day Real Madrid, who were managed by Zidane, triumphed 3-1 in Naples. Napoli will be without star centre back who joined Bayern Munich for £50 million. However, Real Madrid will be without Karim Benzema who went to Saudi Pro League club Al Ittihad. Benzema has been Los Blancos best player since Cristiano Ronaldo departed from the club in 2018.
Group F: Paris Saint Germain and AC Milan
Group F is undoubtedly the group of death given the calibre of teams involved in it. The group consists of French champions PSG, Italian giants AC Milan, Bundesliga runners up Dortmund and last seasons Premier League overachievers in Newcastle United. When AC Milan face PSG it will be intriguing for so many reasons. One because AC Milan have a couple of French defenders who have played against Dembele and Mbappe in the form of Theo Hernandez and Pierre Kalulu. Another reason is it will be interesting to see how Les Parisiens do in the Champions League without Neymar and Messi.
Group F : Paris Saint Germain and Newcastle
Another fascinating matchup in Group F will be when PSG play Newcastle United. The Magpies have not been in the tournament since the 2002/3 season so it remains to be seen whether the occasion will get the better of them. The French giants will be favourites in both games against Newcastle since they have much more firepower and are more proven on the European stage. What will work in Newcastle’s favour is the fact that pressure will be off as they aren’t expected to defeat the French side.
Group F : Paris Saint Germain and Dortmund
The last intriguing match up sees Bundesliga runners up Dortmund face PSG. Les Parisians should still be favourites inspite of the departures of Neymar and Messi they will play more like a team. The departures of Neymar and Messi means there will also be more work rate from the front three as neither liked tracking back. Jude Bellingham’s transfer to Real Madrid is a massive factor as to why PSG are slight favourites as he was one of Dortmund’s best performers last season.