The Champions League draw took place on Thursday evening, with the four English clubs learning their fate along with European giants Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, et al.
Champions League draw 2023-24
Champions League Group Stage Draw
Group A
- Bayern Munich
- Manchester United
- FC Copenhagen
- Galatasaray
Group B
- Sevilla
- Arsenal
- PSV Eindhoven
- Lens
Group C
- Napoli
- Real Madrid
- Braga
- Union Berlin
Group D
- Benfica
- Inter
- FC Salzburg
- Real Sociedad
Group E
- Feyenoord
- Atletico Madrid
- Lazio
- Celtic
Group F
- PSG
- Borussia Dortmund
- AC Milan
- Newcastle United
Group G
- Manchester City
- RB Leipzig
- Red Star Belgrade
- Young Boys
Group H
- Barcelona
- Porto
- Shakhtar Donetsk
- Royal Antwerp
Who are the main contenders?
It is hard to look past defending champions Manchester City, who romped to last year's title as part of an historic treble.
With Erling Haaland up front, and a newly bolstered defence, it will be difficult for anyone to defeat Guardiola's side - though only one team has ever won this tournament back-to-back in the Champions League era.
Erling Haaland with the Champions League trophy (Photo: Shutterstock)
That team was Real Madrid, and it is tricky to place exactly where Carlo Ancelotti's side will fit in the pecking order this season. The arrival of Jude Bellingham has been a revelation in midfield for Los Blancos, but major departures and injuries elsewhere may hold them back.
Elsewhere, Bayern Munich have made the small addition of Harry Kane up front, while PSG will attempt to adapt to life without Lionel Messi and Neymar.
Manchester United, Arsenal, and Newcastle United all return to the tournament after spells of varying length away, and all three will hope to run into the knockout stages.
READ HERE: Manchester United Injury News Could Be Good News For Jonny Evans
Champions League fixtures 2023-24
The fixtures for the group stage are expected to be published shortly after the Champions League draw is made. The first round of fixtures takes place on the evenings of September 19th and 20th, with the final round on December 12th and 13th.
This year's final takes place at Wembley Stadium in London on June 1st.
SEE ALSO: Erik Ten Hag's Manchester United Signings Follow Worrying Trend
