The winner
1. Pep Guardiola
The Spanish strategist can smile after the Champions League group stage draw results. Man City fell into a light group with opponents Red Star Belgrade, Young Boys and RB Leipzig.
Man City fell into an easy group.
With a staff of outstanding quality, the home team at Etihad Stadium is rated highest in Group G. It would be hard to believe if Man City stumbles or fails to get past the group stage this year.
2. Arsenal
After many years of absence, Arsenal officially returned to the Champions League. Mikel Arteta’s army fell into Group B alongside rivals Sevilla, PSV and Lens. According to many experts, Sevilla is the strongest competitor to the Gunners in Group B.
Arsenal are back in the Champions League.
Representing Spain to win the Europa League last season. Sevilla is always considered an unpleasant opponent for any big giant in Europe.
At the same time, PSV and Lens promise to bring surprises to Arsenal if the London team has a subjective mentality.
3. Inter Milan
The fact that Andre Onana joined Man United invisibly reduced the power of Inter Milan. However, Simone Inzaghi’s army is expected to easily pass the group stage of this year’s Champions League.
Inter has a high possibility of passing the group stage.
The tournament runner-up faces light opponents such as Benfica, Red Bull Salzburg and Real Sociedad. The ticket to the next round is within Inter Milan’s reach if they play well.
Loser
1. Manchester United
Erik ten Hag’s Man United fell into a relatively difficult group. The Red Devils are in Group A alongside rivals Bayern Munich, Galatasaray and Copenhagen. Bayern Munich is considered the biggest competitor of the Ten Hag army.
Man United face a heavy test.
Besides, the representative of Türkiye, Galatasaray is ready to create a shock if Man United plays subjectively. As for Copenhagen, the Danish team had a pretty good record last season when they were undefeated against Man City, Borussia Dortmund or Sevilla at home.
Man United’s erratic form has become a major weakness of Ten Hag’s army. The Red Devils need to save points when encountering each opponent.
2. PSG
The defending champion of Ligue 1 fell into the group of death this season. PSG will face “heavy” rivals Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Newcastle United. PSG’s ambition to conquer the Champions League silver cup may soon end right from the group stage.
PSG fell into the group of death.
PSG needs to save every point when facing opponents. Subjective play or an unexpected shock can create a negative domino effect for PSG.
“The group is difficult. It is difficult not only for PSG, but also for other opponents. Certainly very difficult. But what do we want. This is the most prestigious tournament in the world. Players, The coach likes the feeling of competing in big matches,” PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi shared with BeIN Sports.
3. Real Madrid
Real Madrid is in Group C next to Napoli, Union Berlin and Braga. Except for Braga, the other two opponents promise to bring a tough test for Los Blancos.
Napoli experienced a successful 2022/2023 season, winning Serie A and reaching the quarterfinals of the Champions League. The Italian representative is certainly strong enough to create a shock against Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Union Berlin became an interesting unknown with its annoying playing style.
Mr. Nguyen | 08:00 09/01/2023
