Champions League Group Stage Draw 2014/2015

Yesterday, the draw for the 2014/2015 Champions League Group Stage was made and here is my reaction...

Group A: Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Olympiacos, Malmo

Last year's runners up, Atletico Madrid face 2 times winners of the competition, Juventus as well as Greek side Olympiacos and newcomers, Malmo. It is obvious that there is a notable difference in class in the group, and most people will obviously predict Atleti and the Old Lady to progress. Juve were disappointing in the last campaign as they failed to get out of their group so there will be an incentive to excite. Juventus appear in good shape, and I do think that they will pip the Madrid side to the top spot.

Group B: Real Madrid, Basel, Liverpool, Ludogorets

It is the first time in five years that Liverpool have qualified for the group stage of the Champions League and I am sure that they are relatively happy with the group that they have been handed. They find holders Real Madrid in their group and I'm sure this will produce a stunnning encounter. I can definitely see Liverpool scraping a point from the home game, but it will be exceedingly difficult to overthrow Real in the Bernabeu. After a fairy tale tie on Wednesday night, Ludogorets have managed to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in their history. While they most likely won't challenge Liverpool or Madrid, they will gain invaluable experience and enjoyment from playing on Europe's top stage.

Group C: Benfica, Zenit, Bayer Leverkusen, Monaco

Europa Cup beaten finalists Benfica find themselves in a relatively tricky group, where it is difficult to predict the outcome. Monaco have not impressed this season in Ligue 1, while Bayer where easily brushed aside by an average Manchester United side last year and Zenit have decent players, but always fail to impress. In terms of my prediction, I am going for Benfica to finish first followed by Leverkusen in second. Monaco are not at a stage to be competitive in Europe again, particularly after the departure of James Rodriguez in the summer, however with the money that Dmitry Rybolovlev is throwing at the cause, it won't be too long before they are up there with Europe's elite.

Group D: Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, Galatasaray, Anderlecht

Arsenal have been drawn in Dortmund's group for the fourth time and also face a sufficient Galatasaray side as well as Anderlecht. I make Arsenal favourites to progress in pole position, but it will be interesting to see how BVB cope minus the goals from Robert Lewandowski throughout next season. As for second position, Dortmund to pip Galatasaray to the final position. I am a fan of new signing Ciro Immobile, but I'm sceptical as to whether he can deliver the goals that Lewandowski delivered, especially in his first season at the German side. I can't visualise Arsenal losing to Dortmund at the Emirates and they have the ability to at least get a point from the away game in Germany.

Group E: Bayern Munich, Manchester City, CSKA Moscow, Roma

Yet again Manchester City have been drawn in a difficult group and face Bayern Munich and CSKA Moscow for a second time in a row. Rudi Garcia's AS Roma were the surprise package in Serie A last season and managed to go on a 10 match unbeaten run as they finished behind Juventus in the league. The Italian side have a good work ethic and they will certainly not be any pushovers. Last year City proved that they can beat the German heavyweights in their own back yard, so they will take confidence in this when they face Bayern. I do think that City can beat Bayern but they won't be able to topple them. Bayern to top the group with City a couple of points behind.

Group F: Barcelona, PSG, Ajax, Apoel

It is surprising that the 'Group of Death' this year consists of Barcelona and not an English team. As with City, Ajax never seem to get the rub of the green in Europe and yet again are in a tough group. It appears a certainty that Apoel will finish rooted to the bottom of the group and it will be interesting to see match up when PSG take on Barcelona. After reaching the quarter finals last season, the Parisians will be looking to improve on this finish and the signing of David Luiz is aimed at achieving this. I don't think they can get the better of Barca but they have a solid team and should finish in second ahead of Ajax.

Group G: Chelsea, Schalke, Sporting Lisbon, Maribor

Out of the English teams, Jose Mourinho's Chelsea have received a relatively straightforward group and he will be hoping that a first place finish would be wrapped up with a least a game to spare. Schalke were able to progress from the group stages last year, only to be dumped out at the hands of Real Madrid. As for Sporting Lisbon, it is their first year back in the Champions League since the 2008/2009 season and they will be looking to challenge for the 2nd qualifying position. It is difficult to choose between Schalke and Sporting, but I think it could be Julien Draxler and Max Meyer that fire Schalke into the last 16.

Group H: Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk, Athletic Bilbao, Bate Borisov

Last but not least, Group H is relatively unknown, it contains a former champion as well as a club with a decent youth system and one that is beginning to establish themselves in the European competition. This group is very tough to call, particularly as Athletic Bilbao appear to be on the rise again and may shock a few people in the long run. Porto will be expected to top the group and I'm sure that the Portuguese side will deliver. However, in their way is a strong Donetsk side, one that consists of Taison, Douglas Costa and Darijo Srna. Although I'm predicting Porto to top and Shakhtar to follow, I would not be surprised if Bilbao were able to thrust themselves into the knockout stages of the competition at the expense of Porto or Shahktar.

Another group stage kicks off on the 16th September as the pack attempts to take the crown away from holders, Real Madrid. All we can do now is sit and watch as the magic unfolds.