FC Bayern Munich could see the return to Monaco as a good omen. Four years ago, in August 2019, the Champions League groups were last drawn in the Principality – the winner was a year later: FC Bayern Munich.
Today (6.00 p.m.) UEFA is returning to the Côte d’Azur with its glamor ceremony for the premier class and the German record champions are seeded in pot 1 of the top eight teams as Bundesliga champions. Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig were grouped in pot 2 because of their good coefficient. 1. FC Union Berlin finds itself as a Champions League newcomer in the supposedly weakest pot 4.
German duels excluded in group phase
However, Bayern’s top ranking is by no means a guarantee for an easy group. Opponents could be Real Madrid, AC Milan and Galatasaray Istanbul, Manchester United, Lazio Rome and Celtic Glasgow would also be possible well-known opponents.
In any case, BVB and Leipzig are waiting for an opponent from pot 1 in which, in addition to Bayern, there are also defending champions Manchester City, FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. For Union Berlin, however, the risk of a tough group is greatest when ex-England pro Joe Cole and ex-Barça player Eric Abidal draw the lots. German duels are excluded in the group phase.
The first matchday is on 19./20. September, the group phase will end after six games for each team on September 12th/13th. December. The next Champions League winner will be crowned on June 1, 2024 at London’s Wembley Stadium, where Bayern won the 2013 German final against Borussia Dortmund 2-1 with a late goal from Arjen Robben.
