Assessing each group after 2023/24 Champions League draw

The highly anticipated 2023-24 UEFA Champions League tournament is here, and the draw that took place on August 31st at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco did not disappoint football lovers and fans.

This comprehensive analysis, will delve deep into each group, examine the matchups, and provide insights into what football fans can expect from these exciting fixtures.

GROUP A: Homecoming for strikers

• BAYERN MUNICH
• MANCHESTER UNITED
• FC COPENHAGEN
• GALATASARAY

Group A sets the stage for a series of box office fixtures and intriguing storylines. The standout narrative here is the return of Harry Kane to England, this time donning the Bayern Munich shirt, as he faces off against Manchester United.

Kane had long been linked with a move to United, but in the end, the club opted to sign the promising Atalanta youngster, Rasmus Hojlund.

Hojlund will now have the opportunity to face his former club, FC Copenhagen, in what seems to be an emotional homecoming.

Completing the quartet is Turkish champions Galatasaray, a team boasting attacking talents such as Mauro Icardi, Dries Mertens, and Wilfried Zaha. With such firepower, Galatasaray poses a significant threat and can’t be underestimated.

United have a star-studded team but must be wary of Copenhagen and Galatasaray. The club has faced defeats against both teams in past group-stage encounters.

The clash between six-time champions, Bayern, and three-time champions, United will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the group stage.

GROUP B: Arsenal’s group to lose

• ARSENAL
• SEVILLA
• R.C LENS
• PSV EINDHOVEN

Group B presents an interesting mix of teams, with Arsenal, Sevilla, Lens, and PSV competing for supremacy. For Arsenal, this group represents a case of “could be worse, could be better.” Sevilla, known for their European pedigree, will provide a stern test, although most of their success has come in the Europa League. PSV, fresh off an impressive victory over Rangers in the preliminary round, can’t be taken lightly.

Lens, on the other hand, showed their mettle in Ligue 1 by challenging PSG closely last season. Arsenal, under the guidance of Mikel Arteta, will be expected to progress to the knockout rounds. However, Sevilla and Lens are likely to compete closely for the second and third spots.

One of the must-see matches of this group is undoubtedly Sevilla vs. Arsenal and Champions League tickets will be a sell-out for this game. Despite Sevilla’s relatively low finish in La Liga last season, they boast an impressive track record in the Europa League, having won it seven times in just 17 years, and will be boosted by the return of Sergio Ramos to the club.  If Sevilla can secure a victory against Arsenal, it could have significant implications for both teams’ progress in the competition.

GROUP C: Real Madrid’s quest 

• REAL MADRID
• NAPOLI
• UNION BERLIN
• BRAGA

Group C features two heavyweight clubs, Real Madrid and Napoli, alongside Union Berlin and Braga. Real Madrid, with a record 14 European Cup titles, has its sights set on adding to that tally. However, their path to success starts with navigating this group, which includes formidable opponents.

Italian champions, Napoli will be a formidable force, and their strong home record could give them an edge in this group.

Union Berlin, making their debut in the Champions League after a remarkable journey from promotion to the Bundesliga, faces a daunting challenge.

U.S. forward Brenden Aaronson, on loan at Union from Leeds United, and Chelsea’s loanee Datro Fofana will get a taste of top-level Champions League quality when they face Madrid and Napoli. Nevertheless, it will be a tough group for the Bundesliga minnows.

Braga’s greater European experience may give them an advantage over Union Berlin in the race for third place. Real Madrid, despite the loss of Karim Benzema and an injury to Vinícius Júnior, is a formidable force in the group stage.

A must-watch match in this group is the encounter between Napoli and Real Madrid. With Jude Bellingham orchestrating Real Madrid’s attack in a new role, this clash promises to be fascinating. Despite the challenges, both Napoli and Real Madrid are expected to outclass Braga and Union Berlin.

GROUP D: Guess for dark horses?

• BENFICA
• INTER MILAN
• REAL SOCIEDAD
• SALZBURG

Group D features two favorites, Benfica and Inter Milan, along with Real Sociedad and Salzburg. Benfica has displayed remarkable consistency in recent Champions League campaigns and, along with last season’s finalists, Inter Milan, is the front-runner to reach the knockout rounds.

Salzburg, known for its ability to unearth young talent, including Erling Haaland, Benjamin Sesko, and Sadio Mane, is a team to watch closely. Real Sociedad’s fourth-place finish in La Liga underscores their quality, and they have the potential to spring surprises. Last season, they finished above Manchester United in their Europa League group.

Benfica’s recent track record and the intimidating Estadio da Luz make them favorites to top the group. However, the competition is expected to be close, with all teams not too far off in terms of recent records in group-stage progression.

Three-time champions, Inter, and last season’s finalists should be considered the favorites to win the group. They had a convincing victory over Benfica en route to the final last season.

GROUP E: Unpredictable favourites?

• ATLETICO MADRID
• FEYENOORD
• LAZIO
• CELTIC

Group E features Atletico Madrid, Feyenoord, Lazio, and Celtic. Atletico Madrid, despite recent struggles in European campaigns, is the standout favorite. They have started the domestic season well and will aim to replicate that form in Europe.

Beyond Atletico, the competition is wide open. Celtic Park, known for its passionate fans, will need to be a fortress for Brendan Rodgers’ team to progress. Lazio, while struggling in Serie A and losing key player Sergej Milinkovic-Savic in the summer, cannot be underestimated. Feyenoord, having deposed Ajax as champions of the Netherlands, is riding a wave of momentum. However, their lack of experience in the Champions League may pose a challenge.

This group presents a unique blend of uncertainty, with Atletico Madrid aiming to assert dominance while the other three teams battle for advancement. It’s a challenging group with multiple narratives to follow.

GROUP F: Big money clash!

• PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN 
• NEWCASTLE UNITED
• AC MILAN
• BORUSSIA DORTMUND

Group F is a mouth-watering draw, particularly for Newcastle United, making their return to European football’s top tier after a 20-year absence.

PSG, boasting talents like Kylian Mbappe and guided by head coach Luis Enrique, enters the group as the clear favorite. However, Borussia Dortmund, who have struggled in the 2023-24 season and lost Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid, will face a challenge in midfield.

AC Milan, with smart recruitment in the summer and a promising start to their Serie A campaign, is not far behind PSG.

Group F also poses the clash of financial titans as the first and second richest owners in world football will square off.

The fixture between Saudi Arabia’s PIF-backed Newcastle and Qatari-owned PSG – adds another layer of intrigue to this group.

AC Milan, with their good recruitment and strong start in Serie A, is well-positioned to challenge PSG for the top spot. The battle for supremacy between these two teams could shape the destiny of the group.

Borussia Dortmund’s struggles at the start of the 2023-24 season and the loss of Jude Bellingham leave questions about their ability to compete at the highest level. For Newcastle United, this return to the Champions League is a remarkable achievement, and they will relish the opportunity to make an impact.

GROUP G: Manchester City’s dominance

• MANCHESTER CITY
• RB LEIPZIG
• RED STAR BELGRADE
• YOUNG BOYS

Group G presents a familiar scenario of Manchester City’s dominance in recent years. Pep Guardiola’s side should comfortably progress, given their strong performances in the competition. RB Leipzig and Red Star Belgrade are expected to battle for the second and third positions, while Young Boys may find it challenging to keep pace.

Manchester City’s unbeaten campaign in the previous season demonstrated their prowess in the Champions League. However, RB Leipzig showcased a spirited performance against City at home despite suffering a heavy 7-0 thumping by Leipzig in the reverse fixture. The home-and-away ties between these two teams are likely to determine the pecking order in the group.

While Manchester City’s path to the knockout stages seems clear, Young Boys and Red Star Belgrade will engage in a competitive tussle to secure a spot in the Europa League.

GROUP H: Barcelona’s redemption! 

• BARCELONA
• PORTO
• SHAKHTAR DONETSK
• ROYAL ANTWERP

Group H presents a stark contrast to Barcelona compared to the previous season. Last year, they faced the toughest draw with Bayern Munich and Inter Milan. This time, they find themselves in a relatively more favorable group.

Porto, a perennially strong team, provides a formidable challenge. Portuguese teams have historically posed difficulties for Barcelona, and this encounter will test Barcelona’s resolve.

Shakhtar Donetsk has dwindled in continental form probably due to the conflict in their home region. However, they continue to compete at a high level and could pose a threat. Royal Antwerp, making their first Champions League appearance in 66 years, will savor every moment of this experience.

Porto should be content with the draw, as they project to be too strong for Antwerp and Shakhtar. For the Belgian champions, this is a rare treat, and they will cherish the opportunity. Shakhtar, on the other hand, aims to bring joy and hope to their fans.

Conclusively, the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League group stage promises a captivating blend of footballing drama and off-field narratives. With iconic clubs, rising stars, and financial giants in the mix, football enthusiasts have an exciting few months ahead.

As these groups unfold and matches are played, we can anticipate thrilling encounters, surprises, and moments that will define this edition of the Champions League.