The most prestigious playground in Europe at the club level has identified notable groups. Many big men fall into the difficult branch.
The winner
1. Pep Guardiola
The Spanish strategist can smile after the results of the Champions League group stage draw. Man City fell into the lightweight group with rivals Red Star Belgrade, Young Boys and RB Leipzig.
With a staff of outstanding quality, the home team at Etihad Stadium is rated highest in Group G. It would be hard to believe if Man City stumbles or fails to get past the group stage this year.
2. Arsenal
After many years of absence, Arsenal officially returned to the Champions League. Mikel Arteta’s army falls into Group B alongside rivals Sevilla, PSV and Lens. According to many experts, Sevilla is the strongest competitor to the Gunners in Group B.
Representing Spain to win the Europa League last season. Sevilla is always considered an unpleasant opponent for any big giant in Europe.
At the same time, PSV and Lens promise to bring surprises to Arsenal if the London team has a subjective mentality.
3. Inter Milan
Andre Onana’s joining Man United invisibly reduces the strength of Inter Milan. However, Simone Inzaghi’s army is predicted to easily pass this year’s Champions League group stage.
The tournament runner-up faces light opponents such as Benfica, Red Bull Salzburg and Real Sociedad. The ticket to the next round is within Inter Milan’s reach if they play well.
The loser
1. Man United
Erik ten Hag’s Man United fell into a relatively difficult group. The Red Devils are in Group A alongside rivals Bayern Munich, Galatasaray and Copenhagen. Bayern Munich is considered the biggest competitor of the Ten Hag army.
Besides, Turkish representative Galatasaray is ready to create a shock if Man United plays subjectively. As for Copenhagen, the Danish team had a pretty good record last season when they were undefeated against Man City, Borussia Dortmund or Sevilla at home.
Man United’s erratic performance has become a major weakness of Ten Hag’s army. The Red Devils need to save points when facing each opponent.
2. PSG
The Ligue 1 defending champion fell into the group of death this season. PSG will encounter ‘heavyweight’ opponents Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Newcastle United. PSG’s ambition to conquer the Champions League silver cup may soon end right from the group stage.
PSG needs to save every point when facing opponents. Subjective play or an unexpected shock can create a negative domino effect for PSG.
” The group is difficult. The difficulty is not only for PSG, the other opponents are too. It is certainly very difficult. But what do we want? This is the most prestigious tournament in the world. Players, The coach likes the feeling of competing in big matches, ” PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi shared with BeIN Sports.
3. Real Madrid
Real Madrid is in Group C alongside Napoli, Union Berlin and Braga. Except for Braga, the remaining two opponents promise to bring a difficult test to Los Blancos.
Napoli experienced a successful 2022/2023 season, winning Serie A and reaching the quarterfinals of the Champions League. The Italian representative is certainly strong enough to create a shock against Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Union Berlin became an interesting unknown with its annoying playing style.