UEFA Champions League: What to look out for in the group stages

The draw
Reigning champions
Preview
Group A
Bayern Munich vs Manchester United
Group B
Eyecatcher: Arsenal vs Sevilla
Group C
Eyecatcher: Real Madrid vs Napoli
Group D
Eyecatcher: Inter Milan vs Benfica
Group E
Eyecatcher: Celtic vs Atletico Madrid
Group F
Eyecatcher: Newcastle United vs PSG
Group G
Eyecatcher: Manchester City vs RB Leipzig
Group H
Eyecatcher: Royal Antwerp vs FC Barcelona
The draw

The UEFA Champions League is now complete, with some blockbuster clashes for fans to enjoy right from the start of the tournament.

Reigning champions

Reigning champions Manchester City will be heavy favorites to make it out of their group, while Newcastle United faces the group of death in their return to the competition.

Preview

Here is a rundown of what teams are in each group and a look at the most exciting clash that each group holds.

Group A

Manchester United and Bayern Munich headline Group A of this year's competition and will be joined by FC Copenhagen and Turkish giants Galatasaray.

Bayern Munich vs Manchester United

The two teams from the iconic 1999 Champions League Final meet again in this year's group stage, with both teams aiming to win it all. United wanted the new Bayern recruit Harry Kane this summer. Will he come back to haunt them this year?

Group B

After 20 years away from the competition, Lens will be joined in a fairly even group in Group B, with Arsenal, Sevilla, and PSV also drawn into that group.

Eyecatcher: Arsenal vs Sevilla

Arsenal's new signings show their intent to go far in this year's competition, but seven-time Europa League winners Sevilla will give them the toughest test to go through top of the group. The European pedigree in each team will make this a tasty fixture.

Group C

Record winners, Real Madrid join Serie A champions Napoli in Group C, with newcomers Union Berlin and SC Braga making up the final spots.

Eyecatcher: Real Madrid vs Napoli

It will be a clash of attacking nous when Madrid and Napoli meet in Group C, with Victor Osimhen and Vinicius Jr. headlining the game. The historic atmosphere in the Diego Maradona Stadium will give you goosebumps when Real Madrid comes to town.

Group D

Last year's finalists, Inter Milan, are joined by Benfica, Red Bull Salzburg, and Real Sociedad in Group D of this year's competition.

Eyecatcher: Inter Milan vs Benfica

Inter Milan beat Benfica in the knockout stages of the competition last season, and with the loss of key personnel, the matchup between the sides will show how competitive Inter will be this season.

Group E

Group E is the group of atmospheres this season, with Atletico Madrid, Celtic, Feyenoord, and Lazio possessing some of the most raucous fans in European football.

Eyecatcher: Celtic vs Atletico Madrid

Celtic has a history of beating Spanish giants in the competition, and Brendan Rodgers will have to hope Celtic Park is a fortress as Diego Simeone brings his talented Atletico side to Scotland.

Group F

Newcastle's 20-year wait for Champions League football seems all worth it now, joining European giants PSG, AC Milan, and Borussia Dortmund in Group F.

Eyecatcher: Newcastle United vs PSG

It's the battle of the Middle East owners as Saudi PIF-backed Newcastle takes on Qatari-backed PSG in the group stages. Kylian Mbappe playing in the Colosseum atmosphere of St James' Park will be must-watch TV, and Eddie Howe will be confident he can beat anyone.

Group G

Reigning champions Manchester City are heavy favorites to make it out of Group G in this year's competition, facing RB Leipzig, Red Star Belgrade, and Young Boys.

Eyecatcher: Manchester City vs RB Leipzig

Manchester City didn't lose a single game in their campaign last year, but RB Leipzig gave them a tough test, holding them to a draw last year.

Group H

FC Barcelona has a more comfortable group than last year, facing FC Porto, Royal Antwerp, and Shakhtar Donetsk in the final group of the tournament.

Eyecatcher: Royal Antwerp vs FC Barcelona

This fixture is a David vs. Goliath fixture, with the newcomer Belgium champions facing one of the historic clubs in the world. The atmosphere in Antwerp will be electric, and it's the perfect reward for winning the Belgian league last year.

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