The Champions League group stage draw was made this evening in Istanbul, Turkey, with former Chelsea players Branislav Ivanovic and Michael Essien assisting with the process.
As well, the awards for best goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and attacker were issues for the mens’ and womens’ competitions from last season, plus the best coach awards.
Champions League Group Stage Draw
Key Draws
Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain have both been drawn into Group A, and with the inclusion of RB Leipzig in there too, it will mean that one team who are used to qualifying for the knockout stages will miss out.
Group B certainly looks to be an exciting group, with Liverpool meeting two of their old foes in this competition. Atletico Madrid knocked the Reds out in 2020 when they were the holders, while they and AC Milan produced arguably the most memorable Champions League final back in 2005.
Borussia Dortmund will feel as though they have a good chance of qualifying from Group C, leaving Ajax and Sporting Lisbon as the likely sides to battle for the second qualifying spot.
Tournament debutants Sheriff Tiraspol of Moldova will receive a baptism of fire in Group D as they face up to Inter Milan and Real Madrid, while Shakhtar Donetsk could also find that group difficult.
In Group E, Bayern Munich and Barcelona will face each other alongside Benfica, who will hope to cause an upset and qualify ahead of one of the big clubs, as well as Dynamo Kyiv.
Europa League winners from last year Villarreal will play Manchester United, the team they defeated in that final. Atalanta, who have impressed in their recent appearances in this competition, and Young Boys, make up the rest of that group.
Lille’s prize for winning Ligue 1 last year is a place in Group G alongside Sevilla, FC Salzburg and Wolfsburg.
Finally, last season’s winners, Chelsea, will face a tough test against Juventus and long trips to both Zenit St Petersburg and Malmo.
Draw in Full
Group A
Club Brugge
Group B
Group C
Group D
Shakhtar Donetsk
Sheriff Tiraspol
Group E
Dynamo Kyiv
Group F
Young Boys
Group G
Wolfsburg
Group H
Malmo
Award Winners
Mens’ Competition
Goalkeeper – Edouard Mendy (Chelsea)
Defender – Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
Midfielder – N’Golo Kante (Chelsea)
Attacker – Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund)
Womens’ Competition
Goalkeeper – Sandra Paños (Barcelona)
Defender – Irene Paredes (Paris Saint-Germain, now Barcelona)
Midfielder – Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)
Attacker – Jennifer Hermoso (Barcelona)
Main Photo
