In what could turn out to be some of the mouth-watering ties, the UEFA Champions League draws were announced on Thursday where some of Europe’s top clubs will fight out to win the most coveted prize ‘“ the Champions League.
In what could turn out to be some of the mouth-watering ties, the UEFA Champions League draws were announced on Thursday where some of Europe’s top clubs will fight out to win the most coveted prize – the Champions League.
The current holders are Spanish giants Real Madrid but the history suggest never a European club has retained the trophy for the 2nd year in succession.
As the draws were announced, many English and German clubs were pitted against each other that could see the clash of the giants. Which are those groups and who are in it? We pick out selected groups that are ones to watch out for:
Group B –
Liverpool, Real Madrid, Ludogorets, Basel
Besides the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid, new entrants Ludogorets and Basel should not be underestimated. The EPL side are in the Champions League after a long hiatus and are pitted against the reigning champions which could see the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale make a return to England. Madrid might be favourites for this group but Liverpool should not take the other two teams lightly.
Group D –
Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, Anderlecht, Galatasaray
After beating Besiktas in a tough Champions League qualifier, Arsenal are bidding to reach the knock-out stages for the 12th year in a row with German giants Borussia Dortmund, the 2013 finalists pitted alongside in a tough Group D. Turkish side Galatasaray, who beat the Gunners in the 2000 UEFA Cup final, and Belgian giants Anderlecht complete the draw. With the Gunners going for glory this time round, Dortmund and Galatasaray can be the tough opponents in this ‘group of death’.
Group E –
Bayern Munich, Manchester City, AS Roma, CSKA Moscow
For English Premier League champions Manchester City, who failed to progress from the group stages in two of the last three years, the tough run continues as far as Europe’s premier club competition is concerned. The 2013 champions Bayern Munich had steam rolled the Citizens last time round and with the likes of AS Roma and CSKA Moscow in the group, City have to fight it hard if they are to achieve European glory.
Group F –
Ajax, APOEL, Barcelona, PSG
What a return for controversial striker Luis Suarez in the Champions League! The Uruguayan striker will return to his former side Ajax and is also in line to play against Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s PSG. Cypriot side, APOEL complete the group but with Barca and PSG gunning for the European crown, this draw sees Europe’s best forwards – Lionel Messi, Neymar, Luis Suarez, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Ezequeil Lavezzi, Edison Cavani.
What a draw! The UEFA Champions League might see the top clubs in the mix during the latter stages but do not count out the new entrants. The likes of Liverpool and PSG could be the surprise package in Europe’s tougher competition.
