The footballing world is abuzz with anticipation as the draw for the 2023–2024 Champions League group stage was unveiled in the picturesque setting of Monaco, France. A Thursday evening filled with excitement saw the matchups that will define the upcoming season of top-tier European football revealed.
The Champions League group stage action is scheduled to commence on September 19, running through to December 13. Afterward, the knockout stages will take center stage, building the anticipation for the grand finale at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium in June.
Manchester United vs. Bayern Munich
One of the standout draws of the evening was none other than Manchester United finding themselves in the same group as Harry Kane’s formidable Bayern Munich.
On the flip side, Newcastle didn’t have Lady Luck on their side as they were handed a seriously tough draw, going up against football giants Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, and AC Milan. It’s going to be a true test of their mettle.
Arsenal’s Champions League Return
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, making a long-awaited return to the Champions League group stage after seven years, must be relishing their opportunity. Even better, they received a promising draw, facing off against Europa League winners Sevilla, Dutch club PSV Eindhoven, and RC Lens of France. Could this be the Gunners’ time to shine?
Manchester City’s Familiar Company
Manchester City fans will feel a sense of déjà vu as they find themselves once again paired with RB Leipzig, making it three consecutive Champions League campaigns together. Alongside them in Group G are Red Star Belgrade and Swiss club Young Boys, setting the stage for intriguing battles.
Real Madrid’s Quest Continues
For Real Madrid, the record 14-time winners, their journey in Group C includes Serie A champions Napoli, Braga, and Union Berlin. It’s a group that will undoubtedly test their championship pedigree.
Here’s a quick rundown of the groups:
- Group A: Bayern Munich, Manchester United, FC Copenhagen, Galatasaray
- Group B: Sevilla, Arsenal, PSV Eindhoven, RC Lens
- Group C: Napoli, Real Madrid, Braga, Union Berlin
- Group D: Benfica, Inter Milan, FC Salzburg, Real Sociedad
- Group E: Feyenoord, Atletico Madrid, Lazio, Celtic
- Group F: Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, Newcastle
- Group G: Manchester City, RB Leipzig, Red Star Belgrade, Young Boys
- Group H: Barcelona, FC Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk, Royal Antwerp