Last year, Manchester City triumphed over Inter Milan in the Champions League finale in Istanbul.
After a nearly 21-year hiatus, Newcastle United is back in the UEFA Champions League and finds itself in a challenging Group F, alongside football behemoths Paris St-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, and AC Milan.
Returning to the group stage for the first time since the 2002-03 season, the Magpies are pitted against three powerhouses, each of whom has at least made it to the tournament final within the last 16 years.
In other groupings, Manchester United is set to face off against Bayern Munich, while reigning champions Manchester City are lined up with RB Leipzig. Arsenal will encounter Sevilla, and Celtic have been matched with Atletico Madrid.
Complete Group Stage Draw
- Group A: Bayern Munich, MANCHESTER UNITED, FC Copenhagen, Galatasaray
- Group B: Sevilla, ARSENAL, PSV Eindhoven, RC Lens
- Group C: Napoli, Real Madrid, Braga, Union Berlin
- Group D: Benfica, Inter Milan, Salzburg, Real Sociedad
- Group E: Feyenoord, Atletico Madrid, Lazio, CELTIC
- Group F: Paris St-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, NEWCASTLE
- Group G: MANCHESTER CITY, RB Leipzig, Red Star Belgrade, Young Boys
- Group H: Barcelona, Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk, Royal Antwerp
The group stage battles will commence on September 19 and conclude on December 13, culminating in the grand finale at Wembley Stadium on June 1.
Newcastle’s Uphill Battle in Europe’s Elite Tournament
Newcastle United’s dramatic re-entry into Champions League football comes after their impressive fourth-place finish in the Premier League last season. Yet, their group stage draw is nothing short of a Herculean task.
Managed by Eddie Howe, Newcastle will go toe-to-toe with PSG, the 2020 finalists, and AC Milan, a club with seven European titles and a semifinal appearance just last season, in the so-called ‘Group of Death’.
They are also set to battle Borussia Dortmund, who captured the Champions League trophy back in 1997 and were finalists a decade ago.
Elsewhere in the Champions League
Arsenal, returning to the UEFA stage for the first time since the 2016-17 season, will meet PSV Eindhoven and RC Lens, in addition to tussling with Sevilla, the Europa League champions, in Group B.
As for Manchester City, their road to the knockout stage seems less intimidating. Joined in Group G by RB Leipzig, Red Star Belgrade—who won the European Cup in 1991—and Swiss team Young Boys, they are clear favorites to move ahead.
Similarly, Manchester United’s reunion with Bayern Munich echoes the legendary 1999 final, but the presence of FC Copenhagen and Galatasaray in Group A offers a solid chance for progression.
Celtic, matched with Atletico Madrid, will also play against Lazio and Feyenoord, the champions of the Netherlands, in Group E.
‘A New Chapter in Newcastle’s History Begins’
Sports News Center’s Chief Football Writer, Phil McNulty:
Newcastle United’s resurgence to Champions League prominence places them in arguably the most formidable group of the tournament after the Monaco draw. While this sets up an uphill battle, it also foreshadows some electric evenings at St. James’ Park, as Newcastle tries to assert their newfound ambition against top-tier rivals.
The remaining Premier League teams seem cautiously optimistic about advancing, while Newcastle pins their hopes on the roaring crowd at St. James’ Park to energize their quest for the last 16.
When Manchester United faces Bayern Munich, they will clash with England captain Harry Kane, but both Copenhagen and Galatasaray should provide a more comfortable passage.
Arsenal, who will be pitted against Europa League champs Sevilla, can also expect less resistance from a group that includes PSV Eindhoven and RC Lens.
Defending champions Manchester City are the overwhelming favorites to advance and top their group, where they’ll face RB Leipzig, Red Star Belgrade, and the Young Boys from Switzerland.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Champions League Group Stage Draw
What is the main focus of the article?
The main focus of the article is the UEFA Champions League 2023-24 Group Stage Draw, particularly highlighting Newcastle United’s challenging position in the ‘Group of Death’ alongside PSG, Borussia Dortmund, and AC Milan. The article also delves into how other Premier League teams like Manchester City, Manchester United, and Arsenal are positioned.
Who are the teams in Newcastle United’s group?
Newcastle United is placed in Group F, commonly referred to as the ‘Group of Death’, for the UEFA Champions League 2023-24. The group includes Paris St-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, and AC Milan.
When will the Champions League group stages begin and end?
The group stage matches for the UEFA Champions League are scheduled to begin on September 19, 2023, and will conclude on December 13, 2023. The final will take place at Wembley Stadium on June 1, 2024.
What are the chances of Manchester City advancing to the next stage?
Manchester City, the reigning champions, find themselves in a relatively kind group. They will be playing against RB Leipzig, Red Star Belgrade, and Young Boys. Given their recent performance and the composition of their group, they are overwhelming favorites to advance to the last 16.
How have Arsenal and Celtic been positioned in the draw?
Arsenal finds themselves in Group B alongside Sevilla, PSV Eindhoven, and RC Lens. Celtic is in Group E, matched with Atletico Madrid, Lazio, and Feyenoord.
Is this Newcastle United’s first time in the Champions League?
No, Newcastle United is making a return to the Champions League for the first time since the 2002-03 season. Their return is much anticipated, especially after finishing fourth in the Premier League last season.
What are the implications for Manchester United in their group?
Manchester United is in Group A, where they’ll face Bayern Munich, FC Copenhagen, and Galatasaray. The group offers a nostalgic showdown with Bayern Munich, echoing their legendary 1999 final, but also a solid chance for progression given the other teams in the group.
Who is the Sports News Center’s Chief Football Writer mentioned in the article?
The Sports News Center’s Chief Football Writer mentioned in the article is Phil McNulty. He provides additional insights and analysis on the draw, particularly focusing on Newcastle United’s challenging position.
More about Champions League Group Stage Draw
- UEFA Official Site
- Newcastle United’s Season Stats
- Manchester City’s Champions League Journey
- History of the Champions League
- Phil McNulty’s Articles
- The Legendary Manchester United vs Bayern Munich 1999 Final
- Europa League Champions: Sevilla
- Wembley Stadium
10 comments
A trip down memory lane for ManU and Bayern. Hope it lives up to the ’99 final cause that was epic!
As a techie, I’m just here to say that the tech for streaming these matches better be on point. Don’t wanna miss a single goal cuz of lag.
Looking forward to some ‘special nights on Tyneside’ as Phil McNulty said. Just hope my kids do their homework first, lol.
Arsenal back in the UCL! finally, something worth watching between my gaming sessions. Come on you Gunners!
Omg, Newcastle got the short end of the stick, didn’t they? A ‘group of death’ for real! I’m worried but also pumped to see how they fare. Go Magpies!!
Manchester United and Bayern Munich again? Its like watching a rerun of a classic movie. Just hope its not a snooze fest this time.
I swear, if Man City don’t get outta the group stage with that lineup, I’ll eat my hat. Like, literally.
Poor Celtic. Atletico Madrid and Lazio? Tough break, but if they pull through, they’re gonna be the dark horses for sure.
Eddie Howe vs Pochettino vs Marco Rose? That’s like a Marvel crossover but in soccer. Can’t wait!
Man City’s got it easy this year huh? Watch them sail to the next round like it’s a kiddie pool.