The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League draw has taken place, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gianluigi Buffon assisting in the proceedings. The draw has thrown up some fascinating clashes, particularly involving English teams. With new rules in place for this season, fans can look forward to intriguing matchups and challenging fixtures across the group stage.
Manchester City Drawn Into ‘Group of Death’
Manchester City faces a challenging group that includes some of Europe’s most formidable opponents. The Premier League champions will clash with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in what promises to be a mouth-watering encounter. Adding to the excitement, City will also take on Juventus away in Turin and host Inter Milan at the Etihad Stadium.
Here’s a look at Manchester City’s full group stage draw:
– Inter Milan (H)
– PSG (A)
– Club Brugge (H)
– Juventus (A)
– Feyenoord (H)
– Sporting CP (A)
– Sparta Praha (H)
– Slovan Bratislava (A)
Liverpool to Reunite with Xabi Alonso
Liverpool fans are in for a nostalgic treat as their side is set to face Bayer Leverkusen, now managed by former Red, Xabi Alonso. Liverpool’s draw also features a high-profile clash with defending champions Real Madrid, as well as games against AC Milan and RB Leipzig.
Liverpool’s full group stage schedule includes:
– Real Madrid (H)
– RB Leipzig (A)
– Bayer Leverkusen (H)
– AC Milan (A)
– Lille (H)
– PSV Eindhoven (A)
– Bologna (H)
– Girona (A)
Arsenal Get a Favorable Draw
Arsenal, returning to Europe’s elite competition, will face PSG at home in what is arguably their toughest group match. However, the Gunners will likely be satisfied with their overall draw, which includes ties against Inter Milan, Shakhtar Donetsk, and other manageable opponents.
Arsenal’s group stage fixtures are:
– PSG (H)
– Inter Milan (A)
– Shakhtar Donetsk (H)
– Atalanta (A)
– Dinamo Zagreb (H)
– Sporting CP (A)
– Monaco (H)
– Girona (A)
Aston Villa and Celtic Face Tough Battles
Aston Villa’s return to the Champions League sees them drawn into a difficult group, featuring clashes against Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig, and Juventus. Meanwhile, Celtic will need to navigate fixtures against Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig, among others.
Aston Villa’s group stage matches:
– Bayern Munich (H)
– RB Leipzig (A)
– Juventus (H)
– Club Brugge (A)
– Celtic (H)
– Young Boys (A)
– Bologna (H)
– Monaco (A)
Celtic’s group stage schedule:
– RB Leipzig (H)
– Borussia Dortmund (A)
– Club Brugge (H)
– Atalanta (A)
– Young Boys (H)
– Dinamo Zagreb (A)
– Slovan Bratislava (H)
– Aston Villa (A)
Key Fixtures for European Giants
Beyond the English sides, the draw has thrown up some heavyweight clashes for Europe’s top clubs. Real Madrid, the defending champions, will face Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan, while Barcelona’s group includes Bayern Munich and Benfica. Bayern Munich and PSG are set to meet again in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Real Madrid’s group stage fixtures:
– Borussia Dortmund (H)
– Liverpool (A)
– AC Milan (H)
– Atalanta (A)
– Salzburg (H)
– Lille (A)
– Stuttgart (H)
– Brest (A)
Barcelona’s group stage fixtures:
– Bayern Munich (H)
– Borussia Dortmund (A)
– Atalanta (H)
– Benfica (A)
– Young Boys (H)
– Crvena Zvezda (A)
– Brest (H)
– Monaco (A)
Bayern Munich’s group stage fixtures:
– PSG (H)
– Barcelona (A)
– Benfica (H)
– Shakhtar Donetsk (A)
– Dinamo Zagreb (H)
– Feyenoord (A)
– Slovan Bratislava (H)
– Aston Villa (A)
PSG’s group stage fixtures:
– Man City (H)
– Bayern Munich (A)
– Atletico Madrid (H)
– Arsenal (A)
– PSV (H)
– Salzburg (A)
– Girona (H)
– Stuttgart (A)
The 2024/25 Champions League group stage promises to deliver high drama and excitement, with several heavyweight clashes on the cards. Manchester City and Liverpool face particularly tough tests, while Arsenal may have an easier path to the knockout rounds. With so many high-profile games lined up, fans around the world are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an unforgettable tournament.