The clubs competing in the 2020-21 UEFA Champions League group stage have been announced and boy oh boy do we have some great games to look forward to. Let’s skip the chit-chat and show you the full look of the groups and the takeaways.
The official result of the #UCLdraw!
Most exciting group stage match? pic.twitter.com/d7ynuEjPq3— #UCLdraw (@ChampionsLeague) October 1, 2020
I’m ready to explode with excitement.
Top 5 Takeaways From Group Stage Draw
#1. Ronaldo Vs. Messi Rematch
Several hearts skipped a beat when Barcelona and Juventus were drawn together in Group G. It’s been over two years since the last time the two giants of the sport squared off. Barcelona and Real Madrid played to a thrilling 2-2 draw in LaLiga with both superstars scoring in the match. Now we will get to see them play two more times.
Bonus contest: This matchup pits USMNT players Weston McKennie and Sergiño Dest against each other. Let the best American abroad win.
#2. The Group Of Death
Group H is ridiculous. Last year’s finalist, semifinalist and Manchester United all in the same group. RB Leipzig proved to the world it doesn’t need a Timo Werner to achieve success. The German club pulled off a shock win against Atletico Madrid courtesy of a late Tyler Adams goal. The Red Bulls are not to be taken lightly.
Istanbul Basaksehir is going to have a brutal first taste of Champions League action. The poor minnows from Turkey are in for pounding.
#3. Every English Club Not Named Manchester United Is Living The Good Life
Fans of Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City are all high-fiving after seeing the opposition in each of their club’s groups. City and Chelsea got off the easiest with relatively modest competition. If any of these three clubs fails to get out of the group stage, they will never live it down.
#4. Most Underrated Group
The group that viewers should keep an eye on is Group F. Borussia Dortmund is the clear favorite. As for which club will finish second is up for debate. At first glance I would say Lazio would finish second in the group, but the Italian’s club horrendous run at the end of last season has opened the door for Zenit and Club Brugge. Lazio only managed to win three of its last nine games of the 2019-20 campaign.
This group could be a fight to the bitter end for second and third place.
#5. American Chances Of Reaching The Knockout Stages
Naturally The18 has to check in on our American compatriots overseas. Here are all the Americans featured in the group stage.
Zack Steffen (Manchester City)
Chances Of Advancing: 10/10
Christian Pulisic (Chelsea)
Chances Of Advancing: 9/10
Weston McKennie (Juventus)
Chances Of Advancing: 9/10
Sergiño Dest and Konrad de la Fuente (Barcelona)
Chances Of Advancing: 9/10
Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund)
Chances Of Advancing: 8/10
Tyler Adams (RB Leipzig)
Chances Of Advancing: 5/10
Ethan Horvath (Club Brugge)
Chances Of Advancing: 4/10
Jesse Marsch (RB Salzburg Manager)
Chances Of Advancing: 1/10 (Chances Of Finishing 3rd For Europa League: 6/10)
