2018-19 UEFA Champions League

citytillidie

Play-off Round 1st legs
Tuesday
Benfica (POR) V PAOK (GRE) - BT Sport 2
BATE Borisov (BLR) V PSV Eindhoven (NED) - BT Sport 3
Crvena zvezda (SRB) V Salzburg (AUT) - BT Sport ESPN

Wednesday
Ajax (NED) V Dynamo Kyiv (UKR) - BT Sport 2
Vidi (HUN) V AEK Athens (GRE) - BT Sport ESPN
Young Boys (SUI) V Dinamo Zagreb (CRO) - BE Sport 3

Harry Palmr

Benfica (POR) V PAOK (GRE) - RTE 2 at 7.30

C'mon the PAOK

Mr.Nice Guy

BATE Borisov vs PSV Endihoven is on be3 as well. Would love to see what the ratings turn out to be for these games.

Mr.Nice Guy

Team news for tonight's games:

BATE Borisov XI: Scherbitski; Baga, Filipovic, Filipenko, Milunovic; Yablonski, Drahun; Touminen, Stasevich, Rios; Ivanic.

PSV Eindhoven XI: Zoet; Viergever, Schwaab, Dumfries, Angelino; Rosario, Hendrix, Pereiro; Lozano, De Jong, Bergwijn.

Benfica XI: Vlachodimos; Andre Almeida, Ruben Dias, Jardel, Grimaldo; Fejsa, Gedson Fernandes, Pizzi; Zivkovic, Ferreyra, Cervi.

PAOK Salonika XI: Paschalakis; Matos, Varela, Crespo, Vieirinha; Canas, Mauricio; Limnios, Pelkas, Jaba; Prijovic.

Red Star Belgrade XI: Borjan; Degenek, Jovicic, Savic, Rodic; Stojkovic, Krsticic; Cafu, Nabouhane, Radonjic; Stojilkovic.

Red Bull Salzburg XI: Stankovic; Lainer, Pongracic, Ramalho, Ulmer; Junuzovic, Samassekou, Yabo, Haidara; Dabbur, Wolf.

Harry Palmr

Hamilton's commentary almost alert to the action.

ERG89

Pizzi has done well for them but Benfica are well off the sides they used to have.

Mr.Nice Guy

Pizzi finally gets his goal. 1-0 from the spot.

Harry Palmr

Honestly couldn't see the foul for the peno. Benfica deserve the lead just not like that.

Mr.Nice Guy

Wow away goal for PAOK.

Mr.Nice Guy

First Leg results:

BATE Borisov 2-3 PSV Eindhoven
Benfica 1-1 PAOK Salonika
Red Star Belgrade 0-0 Red Bull Salzburg

Looks like the PSV game was the one to watch. Benfica in a worrying position with that result.

citytillidie

Play-off Round 1st leg results
Benfica (POR) 1 V 1 PAOK (GRE)
BATE Borisov (BLR) 2 V 3 PSV Eindhoven (NED)
Crvena zvezda (SRB) 0 V 0 Salzburg (AUT)
Ajax (NED) 3 V 1 Dynamo Kyiv (UKR)
Vidi (HUN) 1 V 2 AEK Athens (GRE)
Young Boys (SUI) 1 V 1 Dinamo Zagreb (CRO)

citytillidie

Play-offs 2nd Legs 8pm Kick offs
Tuesday
Dynamo Kyiv (UKR) V Ajax (NED) (Agg 1-3) - Live on BT Sport 2 / RTE 2
AEK Athens (GRE) V Vidi (HUN) (Agg 2-1) - Live on BT Sport ESPN
Dinamo Zagreb (CRO) V Young Boys (SUI) (Agg 1=1) - Live on BT Sport 3

Wednesday
PAOK (GRE) V Benfica (POR) (Agg 1-1) - Live on BT Sport 2
PSV Eindhoven (NED) V BATE Borisov (BLR) (Agg 3-2) - Live on BT Sport 3
Salzburg (AUT) V Crvena zvezda (SRB) (Agg 0-0) - Live on BT Sport ESPN

Mr.Nice Guy

Only just worked out I had been posting about this game in the Europa League thread.

Dynamo Kiev XI: Boyko, Kedziora, Burda, Kadar, Pivaric, Shepelev, Sydorchuk, Buyalskyy, Tsygankov, Supriaha, Verbic.

Ajax XI: Onana, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Blind, Wober, Van De Beek, Schöne, De Jong, Ziyech, Huntelaar, Tadic.

Tadic has missed a pen, hitting the post. That surely would have ended it.

Half-Time: Ajax playing well and have had chances to wrap up the game. Would be stunned if Kiev can turn this around.

In the other games, AEK Athens goalless with Vidi (Agg. 2-1) and Dinamo Zagreb winning 1-0 against Young Boys (Agg. 2-1)

Mr.Nice Guy

Wow Young Boys are leading 2-1 away to Dinamo Zagreb. Hoarau with a quick double. First goal was a pen after great skill from Assale won the spot kick.

Could be the first time the Swiss side reach the group stages. Zagreb need two goals now. Game is on BT Sport 3 if anyone's interested. Also just noticed it's on be3 too.

Mr.Nice Guy

All over. Young Boys into the Champions League group stages for the first time.

Ajax and AEK Athens also advance from the other games.

Mr.Nice Guy

PAOK Salonika vs Benfica looks the most appealing of tonight's games. It's 1-1 on aggregate so Benfica need to score if they're going to progress. If PAOK win they'll make the Champions League group stages for the first time. Also a PAOK win ensures Liverpool will be in Pot 2 of the Champions League draw tomorrow rather than Pot 3. Team news:

PAOK XI: Paschalakis; Vieirinha, Crespo, Varela, Leo Matos; Limnios, Ca Mauricio, El Kaddouri, Pelkas; Prijovic.

Benfica XI: Vlachodimos; Andre Almeida, Ruben Dias, Jardel, Grimaldo; Pizzi, Fejsa, Gedson Fernandes; Salvio, Seferovic, Cervi.

Game is on be3 and BT Sport 2.

kksaints

PAOK will probably get a nice fine for the banner the fans had up when the players were lining up.

Mr.Nice Guy

1-0 PAOK. Prijovic from close range.

Mr.Nice Guy

Great header from defender Jardel. His namesake Mario would have been proud of that. 1-1.

Mr.Nice Guy

Oh dear. Comical stuff from PAOK's keeper as he concedes a penalty.

Salvio converts. 2-1 Benfica.

kksaints

Mr.Nice Guy wrote: »

Oh dear. Comical stuff from PAOK's keeper as he concedes a penalty.

Salvio converts. 2-1 Benfica.

What was the keeper doing? There was no reason to make the lunge for the ball whatsoever.

Mr.Nice Guy

kksaints wrote: »

What was the keeper doing? There was no reason to make the lunge for the ball whatsoever.

Yeah, really poor decision-making. Might have cost his team big time as they need two goals now. Doesn't get better the more you see it.

https://twitter.com/yunanfutbolu/status/1034886361877291008

Mr.Nice Guy

Pizzi scores after a nice move. 3-1 Benfica. Must be all over now.

Dabbur has also put Salzburg in front in the other game just before half-time.

All H-T scores:

Red Bull Salzburg 1-0 Red Star Belgrade (Agg. 1-0)
PAOK 1-3 Benfica (Agg. 2-4)
PSV Eindhoven 2-0 BATE Borisov (Agg. 5-2)

Looks like 2 of these 3 ties are all but over. Salzburg and Belgrade still in the balance.

kksaints

Salzburg 2 up. At last it looks like they'll reach the group stages.

Mr.Nice Guy

And now Benfica with a pen and Salvio scores like he did earlier. 4-1 Benfica on the night.

Mr.Nice Guy

Well, well, Ben scores for Red Star to make it 2-1. One more goal for them and they'll go through.

Mr.Nice Guy

AND THEY HAVE! Almost immediately!

Red Star with the advantage. Wow!

2-2.

eagle eye

It'd be great to see Red Star make it.

Sanity_Saviour

eagle eye wrote: »

It'd be great to see Red Star make it.

I'm up for Red Bull!

2nd half has turned into a great game

GLaDOS

As a Bohs fan any and all misery is wished upon Salzburg

Mr.Nice Guy

Think that's Salzburg's last chance. Nice play from Lainer down the right.

All over. Red Star advance. Great second half.

kksaints

kksaints wrote: »

Salzburg 2 up. At last it looks like they'll reach the group stages.

Wrong. They've blown it yet again.

Mr.Nice Guy

Dabbur really pissed off leaving the pitch. He played very well tonight. Commentator mentioned Crystal Palace were linked with him in the summer. He might interest other clubs as he looks a very good player.

Red Star Belgrade, Benfica and PSV Eindhoven are the final three teams to qualify for the Champions League.

citytillidie

Play-offs 2nd Leg Results
Dynamo Kyiv (UKR) 0 V 0 Ajax (NED) (Agg 1-3)
AEK Athens (GRE) 1 V 1 Vidi (HUN) (Agg 3-2)
Dinamo Zagreb (CRO) 1 V 2 Young Boys (SUI) (Agg 2-3)
PAOK (GRE) 1 V 4 Benfica (POR) (Agg 2-5)
PSV Eindhoven (NED) 3 V 0 BATE Borisov (BLR) (Agg 6-2)
Salzburg (AUT) 2 V 2 Crvena zvezda (SRB) (Agg 2-2) - Crvena zvezda (SRB) win on away goals

Group Stage Pots unconfirmed
Pot 1
Real Madrid (ESP)
Atlético Madrid (ESP)
Barcelona (ESP)
Bayern München (GER)
Manchester City (ENG)
Juventus (ITA)
Paris Saint-Germain (FRA)
Lokomotiv Moskva (RUS)

Pot 2
Borussia Dortmund (GER)
Porto (POR)
Manchester United (ENG)
Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR)
Benfica (POR)
Napoli (ITA)
Tottenham Hotspur (ENG)
Roma (ITA)

Pot 3
Liverpool (ENG)
Schalke (GER)
Lyon (FRA)
Monaco (FRA)
Ajax (NED)
CSKA Moskva (RUS)
PSV Eindhoven (NED)
Valencia (ESP)

Pot 4
Viktoria Plzeň (CZE)
Club Brugge (BEL)
Galatasaray (TUR)
Young Boys (SUI)
Internazionale Milano (ITA)
Hoffenheim (GER)
AEK Athens (GRE)
Crvena zvezda (SRB)

GLaDOS

GLaDOS wrote: »

As a Bohs fan any and all misery is wished upon Salzburg

In an interesting twist of fate, Salzburg losing means Bohs u19s qualify for the UEFA youth league

Mr.Nice Guy

What I'd like to see as a United fan:

Lokomotiv Moscow
Man United
Ajax
Viktoria Plzen


Please no:

PSG
Man United
Valencia
Inter Milan


Who do people like the look of as potential dark horses, i.e. Monaco in 16-17, or Roma 17-18?

I would say Valencia, Dortmund and Lyon are worth keeping an eye on and could go far, providing they get a bit of luck with their draw.

ERG89

Mr.Nice Guy wrote: »

Juventus
Man United
Valencia
Inter Milan


Who do people like the look of as potential dark horses, i.e. Monaco in 16-17, or Roma 17-18?

I would say Valencia, Dortmund and Lyon are worth keeping an eye on and could go far, providing they get a bit of luck with their draw.

Well you cant get Juve AND Inter.
Are Atletico top seeds now?


Yeah they are. Pots in the tweet

https://twitter.com/365Scores/status/1034915173239271424?s=19

citytillidie

ERG89 wrote: »

Well you cant get Juve AND Inter.
Are Atletico top seeds now?


Yeah they are. Pots in the tweet


https://twitter.com/365Scores/status/1034915173239271424?s=19

Champions League and Europa League winners are both in Pot 1

The Golden Miller

Some potentially great groups. Pot's 3 and 4 look quite strong compared to other years

GavRedKing

A group of death of Real, Dortmund, Pool & Inter would be class.

BullBlackNova

What time is the draw?

As a Liverpool fan, there's definitely some very sticky potential draws in there.

I think I'd like to avoid Atletico from the top sides. Not that they're necessarily the best but I think they are well primed to totally shut down Liverpools way of playing and it would be two very tough games. Barca, Real, PSG, Bayern or Juve could all be thrilling goal fests!

Would ideally like to sidestep Inter, Hoffenheim and Galatasaray in the bottom sides too, just to ease the pressure a little.

The whole 'we shouldn't be afraid of anyone' thing is nice and all, but we also shouldn't have to rest players before a tie because they're all so tough!!

citytillidie

Another note to be aware of ahead of the draw

In the case of associations with two or more representatives, clubs have been paired in order to split their matches between Tuesday and Wednesday, namely:

Real Madrid & Barcelona
Atlético Madrid & Valencia
Bayern & Dortmund
Man. City & Tottenham
Juventus & Internazionale Milano
Paris & Lyon
Lokomotiv Moskva & CSKA Moskva
Porto & Benfica
Man. United & Liverpool
Napoli & Roma
Schalke & Hoffenheim
Ajax & PSV Eindhoven

If a paired club is drawn, for example, in groups A, B, C or D, the other paired club – once drawn – will automatically be assigned to one groups E, F, G or H

citytillidie

Pot 1
Real Madrid (ESP)
UEFA coefficient ranking (end of 2017/18): 1
How they qualified: UEFA Champions League winners
Best European Cup performance: winners x13 (most recently 2017/18)

In a nutshell: Champions for three seasons running but, curiously, an unknown entity now that Zinédine Zidane has been replaced by Julen Lopetegui and Cristiano Ronaldo is in Turin. How will Lopetegui cope? Who will fill Ronaldo's 450-goal void? Will Madrid's European dominance continue or has the bubble burst?

Atlético Madrid (ESP)
UEFA coefficient ranking (end of 2017/18): 2
How they qualified: UEFA Europa League winners
Best European Cup performance: runners-up x3 (most recently 2015/16)

In a nutshell: Diego Simeone and his team keep on truckin'. Atlético have reached three European finals in the past five seasons and continue to upset the odds by playing with peerless intensity. This season's showpiece takes place at their very own Estadio Metropolitano.

Bayern München (GER)
UEFA coefficient ranking (end of 2017/18): 3
How they qualified: Bundesliga champions
Best European Cup performance: winners x5 (most recently 2012/13)

In a nutshell: Another European powerhouse with a new coach in charge. Niko Kovač is the man taking over from Jupp Heynckes; he will need to reinvigorate an ageing squad and prove he belongs at this level.

Barcelona (ESP)
UEFA coefficient ranking (end of 2017/18): 4
How they qualified: Spanish Liga champions
Best European Cup performance: winners x5 (most recently 2014/15)

In a nutshell: Barça have been eliminated at the quarter-final stage for three seasons running, but the pragmatic Ernesto Valverde laid solid foundations last term and will hope for added sparkle from Philippe Coutinho in the Brazilian's first full season at the club.

Juventus (ITA)
UEFA coefficient ranking (end of 2017/18): 5
How they qualified: Serie A champions
Best European Cup performance: winners x2 (most recently 1995/96)

In a nutshell: Could Ronaldo's arrival herald the end of Juve's long wait for a third title? It's certainly some statement. Massimiliano Allegri has steered Juve to two finals since taking over in 2014 but now must awaken them from the hurt of their dramatic exit at the hands of Real Madrid (and Ronaldo) last season. He's got just the man for the job

Paris (FRA)
UEFA coefficient ranking (end of 2017/18): 7
How they qualified: Ligue 1 champions
Best European Cup performance: semi-finals (1994/95)

In a nutshell: Thomas Tuchel is the latest man charged with bringing European success to the French capital. Neymar and Kylian Mbappé will require broad shoulders, such is the responsibility resting with them, but Paris need to improve throughout if they are to show they can compete with their more established counterparts.

Manchester City (ENG)
UEFA coefficient ranking (end of 2017/18): 8
How they qualified: Premier League champions
Best European Cup performance: semi-finals (2015/16)

In a nutshell: The Josep Guardiola revolution continues apace. City were simply sensational domestically last season, rewriting the Premier League record books, but still need to take the next step up in Europe. If anyone can, Guardiola can.

Lokomotiv Moskva (RUS)
UEFA coefficient ranking (end of 2017/18): 63
How they qualified: Russian Premier League champions
Best European Cup performance: second group stage (2002/03)

In a nutshell: Yuri Semin was under intense scrutiny after Loko finished eighth in 2016/17, perhaps saved only by Russian Cup success. The faith placed in the 71-year-old was sensationally rewarded last term, a defence breached just 21 times in 30 games providing the bedrock for only their third Russian Premier League title.

Pot 2
Borussia Dortmund (GER)
UEFA coefficient ranking (end of 2017/18): 10
How they qualified: 4th in Bundesliga
Best European Cup performance: winners (1996/97)

In a nutshell: Rebuilding under Lucien Favre – their third coach in 12 months – having failed last season to progress from the group stage for the first time since 2011/12. Will be hoping the likes of Manuel Akanji and Jadon Sancho replicate their impressive domestic form on the UEFA Champions League stage.

Porto (POR)
UEFA coefficient ranking (end of 2017/18): 11
How they qualified: Portuguese Liga champions
Best European Cup performance: winners x2 (most recently 2003/04)

In a nutshell: Ended a five-year wait for the Liga title last term while also reaching the round of 16 for a second consecutive season. Sérgio Conceição's squad appear settled and experienced in the European arena so they should be hopeful of going further this time around.

Manchester United (ENG)
UEFA coefficient ranking (end of 2017/18): 12
How they qualified: 2nd in Premier League
Best European Cup performance: winners x3 (most recently 2007/08)

In a nutshell: Last season secured their highest league finish since 2012/13 but were stunned by Sevilla in the round of 16. José Mourinho has had two years to mould the team in his image and this season could be the crossroads where United either make a UEFA Champions League breakthrough or continue playing second fiddle in their own city.

Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR)
UEFA coefficient ranking (end of 2017/18): 14
How they qualified: Ukrainian Premier League champions
Best European Cup performance: quarter-finals (2010/11)

In a nutshell: Shakhtar have made it past the round of 16 just once and fell at that hurdle again last term. Paulo Fonseca has successfully taken the baton from long-term coach Mircea Lucescu over the past two campaigns but can they go further, especially now that Fred and Facundo Ferreyra have both departed?

Benfica (POR)
UEFA coefficient ranking (end of 2017/18): 15
How they qualified: 2nd in Portuguese Liga, play-off winners
Best European Cup performance: winners x2 (most recently 1961/62)

In a nutshell: Having featured in ten UEFA competition finals, including seven in the European Cup, Benfica endured a difficult group stage last year with six defeats. They are back for another go, though, having beaten Fenerbahçe and PAOK in qualifying and strengthened with the likes of Nicolás Castillo and Facundo Ferreyra.

Napoli (ITA)
UEFA coefficient ranking (end of 2017/18): 17
How they qualified: 2nd in Serie A
Best European Cup performance: round of 16 x2 (most recently 2016/17)

In a nutshell: New coach Carlo Ancelotti has won this competition three times and has a squad at his disposal that racked up an incredible 91 points in Serie A last season. Combine the two and the Partenopei must believe they can improve on last term's group-stage exit and even their tournament-best round of 16 elimination.

Tottenham Hotspur (ENG)
UEFA coefficient ranking (end of 2017/18): 19
How they qualified: 3rd in English Premier League
Best European Cup performance: semi-finals (1961/62)

In a nutshell: Transferred their Premier League form to the UEFA Champions League stage last autumn with a group-stage high 16 points, including four against eventual champions Real Madrid. Mauricio Pochettino has retained all his key players but can they finally deliver the tangible success they have promised under his stewardship?

Roma (ITA)
UEFA coefficient ranking (end of 2017/18): 21
How they qualified: 3rd in Serie A
Best European Cup performance: runners-up (1983/84)

In a nutshell: The Monchi revolution is gathering pace. The Giallorossi's sporting director has overseen a sizeable summer recruitment drive, with nine players signed even before the start of July. Expect more from Cengiz Ünder and plenty of zip from new signings Ante Ćorić and Justin Kluivert.

Pot 3
Liverpool (ENG)
UEFA coefficient ranking (end of 2017/18): 22
How they qualified: 4th in Premier League
Best European Cup performance: winners x5 (most recently 2004/05)

In a nutshell: Finalists last term after breaking the all-time record for goals in a single UEFA Champions League season (47), Liverpool's European challenge will be bolstered by midfield recruits Fabinho and Naby Keïta. With Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mané further forward, Jürgen Klopp's side should rack up the goals once again

Schalke (GER)
UEFA coefficient ranking (end of 2017/18): 24
How they qualified: 2nd in Bundesliga
Best European Cup performance: semi-finals (2010/11)

In a nutshell: Domenico Tedesco, 32, oversees a very balanced squad that impressed with a physical style of play last season. Already second-placed finishers to Bayern in the Bundesliga, they are still in the early stages of their development.

Lyon (FRA)
UEFA coefficient ranking (end of 2017/18): 25
How they qualified: 3rd in Ligue 1
Best European Cup performance: semi-finals (2009/10)

In a nutshell: After a season away, Lyon took third place in Ligue 1 and, with it, an automatic group stage spot thanks to Atlético's UEFA Europa League triumph. Combine the attacking talent of Nabil Fekir, Memphis Depay, Bertrand Traoré and Mariano with new local wonderkid Houssem Aouar, 20, and Lyon may pose a serious threat.

Monaco (FRA)
UEFA coefficient ranking (end of 2017/18): 27
How they qualified: 2nd in Ligue 1
Best European Cup performance: runners-up (2003/04)

In a nutshell: Semi-finalists in 2016/17, Monaco have faced several high-profile departures in each of the two last summers – Fabinho and Thomas Lemar the latest. ASM continue to regenerate, though, and boast an excellent mix of youth and experience. Danijel Subašić and Radamel Falcao remain key, with Aleksandr Golovin an eye-catching addition.

Ajax (NED)
UEFA coefficient ranking (end of 2017/18): 31
How they qualified: 2nd in Eredivisie, play-off winners
Best European Cup performance: winners x4 (most recently 1994/95)

In a nutshell: Ajax's first UEFA Champions League group stage outing since 2014/15. Although Justin Kluivert left for Roma, Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong are still in Amsterdam, Daley Blind is back, and Dušan Tadić, Zakaria Labyad and Hassane Bandé have arrived too.

CSKA Moskva (RUS)
UEFA coefficient ranking (end of 2017/18): 35
How they qualified: 2nd in Russian Premier League
Best European Cup performance: quarter-finals (2009/10)

In a nutshell: Golovin, Pontus Wernbloom and Ahmed Musa all moved on while their three main defenders last term – combined age 111 – have retired. A challenging campaign may follow therefore, yet CSKA are shrewd in the transfer market, have a pool of academy talent and a meticulous coach in Viktor Goncharenko. Dismiss them at your peril.

PSV Eindhoven (NED)
UEFA coefficient ranking (end of 2017/18): 40
How they qualified: Dutch champions, play-off winners
Best European Cup performance: winners (1987/88)

In a nutshell: Now under Mark van Bommel, who replaced former team-mate Phillip Cocu in June after previously coaching the Under-19s and assisting father-in-law Bert van Marwijk with the Australian national team. Keeping Hirving Lozano, so impressive for Mexico at the FIFA World Cup, was a big plus.

Valencia (ESP)
UEFA coefficient ranking (end of 2017/18): 41
How they qualified: 4th in Spanish Liga
Best European Cup performance: runners-up x2 (most recently 2000/01)

In a nutshell: Marcelino García Toral has led Valencia back to Europe's elite after a couple of testing seasons. Canny operators in the transfer market, Los Che possess an exciting young squad that will be keen to help the club return to a first European final since UEFA Europa League glory in 2004.

Pot 4
Viktoria Plzeň (CZE)
UEFA coefficient ranking (end of 2017/18): 45
How they qualified: Czech champions
Best European Cup performance: group stage x2 (most recently 2013/14)

In a nutshell: After four years away, coach Pavel Vrba rejoined Plzeň in May 2017 and guided them to a fifth league title and third group stage participation. Vrba will now hope to repeat or improve on the third-placed group finish of 2013/14 in order to cement his iconic status at Viktoria.

Club Brugge (BEL)
UEFA coefficient ranking (end of 2017/18): 50
How they qualified: Belgian champions
Best European Cup performance: runners-up (1977/78)

In a nutshell: Club Brugge made a seemless transition to life after Michel Preud'homme, Croatian coach Ivan Leko steering the side to the title at the first attempt. His squad blends old with new – and Brazilian youngster Wesley is reportedly attracting interest from Europe's elite.

Galatasaray (TUR)
UEFA coefficient ranking (end of 2017/18): 51
How they qualified: Turkish champions
Best European Cup performance: semi-finals (1988/89)

In a nutshell: After a two-year break from this competition, Galatasaray – under the experienced Fatih Terim for a fourth time – regained the title last term. Not since 2013/14 have they gone beyond the group stage, but if the likes of Garry Rodrigues can reproduce their domestic form in Europe, who knows how far they can travel.

Young Boys (SUI)
UEFA coefficient ranking (end of 2017/18): 74
How they qualified: Swiss champions, play-off winners
Best European Cup performance: semi-finals (1958/59)

In a nutshell: Having ended Basel's eight-year reign as Swiss champions, Young Boys make their group stage bow after play-off losses in each of the past two seasons. Gerardo Seoane arrived as coach this summer and has had a fine start with a more cautious approach than predecessor Adi Hütter.

Internazionale Milano (ITA)
UEFA coefficient ranking (end of 2017/18): 83
How they qualified: 4th in Serie A
Best European Cup performance: winners x3 (most recently 2009/10)

In a nutshell: Returning to this competition for the first time in six years, the 2010 champions finally give a UEFA Champions League debut to Mauro Icardi, one of Serie A's most prolific strikers. Nerazzurri also expect much from new boy Radja Nainggolan, who is reunited with ex-Roma coach Luciano Spalletti.

Hoffenheim (GER)
UEFA coefficient ranking (end of 2017/18): 99
How they qualified: 3rd in Bundesliga
Best European Cup performance: group stage debutants

In a nutshell: Aiming to play attacking football on their group stage bow, Hoffenheim start the season already knowing it will be the last for 30-year-old coach Julian Nagelsmann, who will join Leipzig next summer. Expect Hoffenheim to rotate their starting line-up frequently.

Crvena zvezda (SRB)
UEFA coefficient ranking (end of 2017/18): 119
How they qualified: Serbian champions, play-off winners
Best European Cup performance: winners (1990/91)

In a nutshell: At last a group stage appearance for the 1991 European Cup winners, who have survived four rounds of qualifying to get here. Last season's top scorer Aleksandar Pešić is now in Saudi Arabia, among several summer departures, but in their place have come the likes of former Ajax man Lorenzo Ebecilio.

AEK Athens (GRE)
UEFA coefficient ranking (end of 2017/18): 123
How they qualified: Greek champions, play-off winners
Best European Cup performance: quarter-finals (1968/69)

In a nutshell: Back in the group stage for the first time since 2006/07, AEK claimed a first Greek title in 24 years last term – just four seasons after competing in the third tier. Beat Celtic and Vidi in qualifying to ensure a good start for new boss Marinos Ouzounidis, formerly of Panathinaikos.

Harry Palmr

Presumably Liverpool will be in Pot 2 next season almost regardless of how they do this year.

Anyway I'd like all the P teams.

Shanotheslayer

Harry Palmr wrote: »

Presumably Liverpool will be in Pot 2 next season almost regardless of how they do this year.

Anyway I'd like all the P teams.

Pokomotiv Moscow.

fyfe79

citytillidie wrote: »

Another note to be aware of ahead of the draw

In the case of associations with two or more representatives, clubs have been paired in order to split their matches between Tuesday and Wednesday, namely:

Real Madrid & Barcelona
Atlético Madrid & Valencia
Bayern & Dortmund
Man. City & Tottenham
Juventus & Internazionale Milano
Paris & Lyon
Lokomotiv Moskva & CSKA Moskva
Porto & Benfica
Man. United & Liverpool
Napoli & Roma
Schalke & Hoffenheim
Ajax & PSV Eindhoven

If a paired club is drawn, for example, in groups A, B, C or D, the other paired club – once drawn – will automatically be assigned to one groups E, F, G or H

I would've thought it would make more sense to pair Utd with City, so that it's not possible for both to be drawn at home on the same night?

citytillidie

fyfe79 wrote: »

I would've thought it would make more sense to pair Utd with City, so that it's not possible for both to be drawn at home on the same night?

One will be placed away and other home those pairings are for tv and well BT would not want Liverpool and Man Utd playing on the same night

NoviGlitzko

What time is the draw? Can't seem to find it online.

citytillidie

NoviGlitzko wrote: »

What time is the draw? Can't seem to find it online.

5pm Program starts should take about 30 mins

munchkin_utd

last season someone posted a handy matrix of the odds / chances of teams drawing each other and in the end it was surprisingly accurate.

I know that was for a knockout phase, but is there anything like that for this draw?