In a spellbinding unveiling of the Champions League group stage, European soccer aficionados have been handled to a tantalizing array of clashes, with intriguing storylines at each flip.
Kylian Mbappe-led Paris Saint-Germain discover themselves within the eye of the storm, drawing a bunch of formidable foes that may make even the bravest hearts quiver.
AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund, each previous champions, stand as resolute adversaries.
The shockwaves rippled additional than Newcastle, making a triumphant return to the Champions League after a two-decade hiatus, finishing the ensemble on this epic showdown.
The “piece de resistance” of this draw, nevertheless, is the duel set to unfold between Bayern Munich and Manchester United.
These two European heavyweights, who locked horns memorably within the 1999 closing, will renew their rivalry.
Joining them on this group are Copenhagen and Turkish Süper Lig reigning champions Galatasaray who obtained their return ticket after mauling Norwegian aspect Molde.
Real Madrid, the document 14-time champion, launched into a quest so as to add one other jewel to their storied crown.
Napoli, the dominant pressure in Serie A final season, poses a formidable problem.
Braga and competitors debutant Union Berlin full this intriguing quartet, with the latter utilizing the town’s Olympic Stadium for dwelling matches.
The saga continues with Newcastle, propelled by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign Public Investment Fund (PIF), returning to the Champions League fold.
This newly resurgent aspect will face the formidable would possibly of PSG, a membership in transition following the departure of Lionel Messi and Neymar.
PSG’s president, Nasser al-Khelaifi, embraced the problem, declaring, “It’s a new era, it’s a new style and quality of game, very offensive, and this is what we like. Everybody wants to play in the Champions League, so don’t complain.”
Defending champion Manchester City seems to have secured a comparatively favorable draw, dealing with Leipzig for the third consecutive season.
They may even tackle Red Star Belgrade and a cussed Young Boys aspect, with City’s latest dominant performances in opposition to Leipzig including an air of anticipation to the proceedings.
Inter Milan, final season’s finalist, will lock horns with Benfica, Salzburg, and Real Sociedad in a bunch laden with historical past and intrigue.
La Liga reigning champions, Barcelona have been given respite after enduring a couple of powerful years, particularly having drawn with a scary Bayern Munich on a couple of events.
La Blaugrana’s group options Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk, and Royal Antwerp, Champions League debutants with a historical past relationship again to 1957.
Arsenal’s eagerly awaited return to the competitors after six years will see them cross swords with Europa League juggernauts Sevilla, PSV Eindhoven and Lens.
The group that includes Feyenoord, the 1970 European Cup winner, contains Celtic, Atletico Madrid, and Lazio, promising a nostalgic journey again to the glory days of European soccer.
The Champions League motion kicks off on Sept. 19, culminating within the closing at Wembley Stadium in London on June 1.
A staggering billion euros ($2.2 billion) in prize cash awaits the 32 taking part groups, with every assured a minimal of 15.64 million euros ($17.1 million).
As the world watches, a brand new chapter within the storied historical past of European soccer is about to be written, with the eventual champion poised to assert an imposing prize of roughly 125 million euros ($135 million) from UEFA.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
