Round Up On The UEFA Champions League Draw

The draw to the Champions League is always awaited with a pair of mixed feelings, excitement and anxiety. As always, some teams were relieved on hearing their group’s outcome while others weren’t as pleased. On this warm and sunny day in Monaco, the fate of Europe’s top clubs was to be decided once again.

GROUP A – Arguably the toughest group of the draw, boasting the likes of Bayern Munich, Villarreal, Manchester City and Napoli. This group could be as unpredictable as death itself. While Bayern Munich and Villarreal brag strong experienced sides, you can’t be sure what to expect from debutants Manchester City and Napoli.MY VERDICT- Bayern Munich and Manchester City

Manchester City will be looking forward to their first ever Champions League, regardless of who they face

GROUP B – It includes Inter Milan, CSKA Moskva, LOSC Lille and Trabzonspor. The 2010 UEFA champions couldn’t have asked for an easier group. Though, I do reckon a tough fight for second place.MY VERDICT-Inter Milan and CSKA Moskva

GROUP C – Manchester United, Benfica, Basel and FC Otelul Galati. This group reflects a shimmer of history when United and Benfica contested the 1968 final. It marked the tenth anniversary of the Munich air disaster. United won 4-1 and they will be looking to create a similar score line.MY VERDICT-Manchester United and Benfica

GROUP D – Real Madrid, Lyon, Ajax and Dinamo Zagreb. If Ajax bring their domestic form into this competition, they could provide an entertaining outcome of events. Madrid should have no problem qualifying but topping the group is something they shouldn’t get too confident about.MY VERDICT-Real Madrid and Lyon

GROUP E – Chelsea, Valencia, Bayer Leverkusen and Genk. It was always going to be an exciting prospect to see Juan Mata play against his former club, Valencia and the Champions League draw has made it possible. Bayer Leverkusen also possess a threat. It’s always interesting how German teams tend to be tougher in the Champions League, excelling at home, mainly. Agreed Chelsea have a bit of competition in this group, but a bit of fighting spirit from Villas-Boas’ men will see them group toppers.MY VERDICT-Chelsea and Valencia

Can Terry and Co overcome the horror of 2008 and win their first ever Champions League trophy?

GROUP F – Another exhilarating group consisting of Arsenal, Marseille, Olympiacos and Borussia Dortmund. Arsenal’s dodgy form will be exposed in this group if they fail to bring in top quality players before the transfer market closes. For the first time in nine years, Dortmund take part in the Champions league. Their current squad of youngsters could create many problems for their opponents. Marseille are always a threat while Greek champions Olympiacos are probably going to give a tough fight.MY VERDICT-Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund

GROUP G – Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk, Zenit St Petersburg and APOEL. . Devoid of an English, Spanish, Italian or even German team, this group lacks glamour. But like many of the other groups, there will be an interesting fight for second spot.MY VERDICT-Porto and Shakhtar Donetsk

GROUP H – Barcelona, AC Milan, FC BATE and Viktoria Plzen. Apart from the exciting encounters between Barcelona and Milan, both at Camp Nou and San Siro, there’s not really much to expect from this group. It’s a 2 horse race.MY VERDICT-Barcelona and AC Milan

Can Barcelona successfully defend their title?

The night ended with Lionel Messi being crowned UEFA Best Player in Europe, beating team-mate Xavi Hernandez and Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo who came second and third respectively.