The final Champions League group stage draw provided us with arguably the best pool the competition has had for years. Newcastle’s return to the competition has seen them drawn with PSG, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan in an incredible Group F.
The drama didn’t end there, with Harry Kane set for a speedy return to English shores in a visit to Manchester United.
There were kinder draws for Manchester City and Arsenal, who will be expected to make the last 16. Let’s take a closer look at the last Champions League group stage draw.
Group A: Can United Stop Kane’s Bayern?
Manchester United return to the Champions League with Bayern Munich rivalling them for top spot. Thomas Tuchel has pushed for the German giants to strengthen this summer, with this competition the likely focus given their domestic dominance.
Harry Kane suggested that competing for the Champions League was a big reason behind his move from Tottenham. His return to England to face a United side who were linked with a move for the forward all summer will be among the best of the group stage clashes.
United also meet Galatasaray and Copenhagen in the group stage, with the Turkish giants quietly putting together a solid side. They include former United forward Wilfried Zaha among their ranks now and he too will make a quick return to England this autumn.
Kane's form crucial for Bayern fortunes
Group B: Good Draw For The Gunners
Mikel Arteta led Arsenal back to the Champions League and his side should be confident of a good showing in this competition. It’s hard to see how the draw could have gone better for them, landing Sevilla, PSV and Lens in their pool.
The Gunners have little to fear in a Sevilla side that finished 11th in La Liga last season. Lens have been weakened following their run to second in Ligue 1 last term, while PSV’s win over a second-string Arsenal side in the Europa League last year is unlikely to be repeated.
Given how good they were last term and their summer investment, the Gunners have everything in their favour for a deep run in this competition.
Arteta will expect to qualify
Group C: Napoli And Real To Dominate
Napoli beat Liverpool to first place in last season’s group stage and in Real Madrid, they face an even bigger test this time around. The Spanish giants have made a flying start in La Liga and they are always a team to fear in this competition.
Napoli could be nervously looking over their shoulder in this group, as Union Berlin tend to relish being underdogs. The German side have emerged as a real force in the Bundesliga and they’re set to add Leonardo Bonucci to the side ahead of this Champions League run.
However, the clashes between Napoli and Real will be appointment viewing. The Partenopei are a blistering attacking side, while ex-Napoli boss Carlo Ancelotti has crafted a brilliant front three of Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr.
Ancelotti eyeing up top spot in Group C
Group D: Quarter-Final Rematch For Inter
Inter Milan made a surprise run to last season’s Champions League final, beating Benfica along the way. They face a rematch with the Portuguese giants in Group D, while both Salzburg and Real Sociedad will be tricky opposition for the Serie A side.
Sociedad finished fourth in La Liga last term and they’re a very impressive, technically gifted outfit. Salzburg are experts at unearthing gems and Benfica will test Inter once again. There’s no weak link in this group, making it one of the most interesting in the competition.
Inter and Benfica clash again
Group E: Celtic Look Outmatched
It’s hard to have much hope for Celtic, who look outgunned in Group F against Atletico Madrid, Feyenoord and Lazio. Brendan Rodgers has his work cut out for him across this group, but it’s hard to see anything but another last-placed finish for the Bhoys.
Atletico have struggled in Europe of late, finishing bottom of their group last year. They should have an easier time against Lazio and Feyenoord, but the Italian side are one to watch. Maurizio Sarri has a distinctive style of play and his team were brilliant domestically last term, finishing second behind Napoli.
Rodgers has his work cut out
Group F: Incredible European Tour For Geordies
Newcastle’s Champions League return is a nightmare for Eddie Howe, but it’s a brilliant European tour for the Geordie faithful. The Magpies will visit PSG, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan in this group, which is among the most stacked quartets we’ve ever seen at this stage of the competition.
The Geordies will have their work cut out against sides who have plenty of experience at this level. All three of their opponents played in the last 16 last season, with Milan making the semi-finals.
Of course, Newcastle pinched Milan’s star player Sandro Tonali this summer which makes for an interesting reunion. Given that the Serie A side have reinvested that money brilliantly, they could end up with the last laugh.
Newcastle in the Group of Death
Group G: Little Threat To Champions
Manchester City’s reign as European champions is under no threat in the group stage, with the Citizens meeting RB Leipzig, Crvena Zvezda and Young Boys.
City thumped Leipzig 7-0 at home in the last 16 last season, which shows how big the gap between them and the other three sides really is. It’s hard to see anything outside of a City/Leipzig finish in this group, with both Crvena Zvezda and Young Boys rank outsiders at this stage of the competition.
City should cruise through
Group H: Barca To Avoid Another Early Exit
Barcelona have suffered a group stage exit from each of their last two Champions League campaigns, but they have been handed a softer group this time around. The Catalans are up against Portuguese giants Porto, who will rival them for first place.
However, there’s little threat expected from Shakhtar Donetsk or debutants Antwerp. Barca’s battle with Porto for first is likely to be closer than many would expect, but it’s tough to see either of those two missing out on the last 16 this time around.
