THE DRAW FOR the Champions League group stage was made today and here are a few talking points to consider now that the 32 teams know their fate.

1. Liverpool’s reasonable group

Obviously, Liverpool would have preferred to have drawn Porto or Benfica as a top seed instead of Real Madrid, but getting grouped with Basel and Ludogorets makes advancing to the next round a real possibility.

Last time Liverpool and Real played in the Champions League, it turned into one of Liverpool’s most complete European performances ever. There likely won’t be a repeat of that 4-0 win this time, but regardless, the atmosphere at Anfield will be exceptional.

2. Man City get Bayern again

For the third time in four years, Man City have been placed in the same group as German juggernaut Bayern Munich. With the other teams in the group being CSKA Moscow and Roma, the two favourites won’t have an easy road to qualification.

Man City were drawn with Bayern Munich for the third time in four years. Associated Press Associated Press

But City haven’t really performed against the top European sides yet (the quasi-dead rubber victory over Bayern aside), and given the level they have reached in the last few months, a win against the German champions will go a long way to showing they are capable of winning the tournament.

3. Improved Chelsea are set up for a run

The summer additions Jose Mourinho made to his squad had them as serious Champions League contenders even before the draw was made, and they will be fancied even more now. Sporting Lisbon, Schalke and Maribor should all be swatted aside with relative ease, allowing Jose Mourinho to seek a third European crown with a third team.

4. Arsenal’s consistency gets rewarded again

Arsene Wenger guided Arsenal into the group stage for the 17th straight season last night and his consistency was rewarded with a fairly kind draw alongside Borussia Dortmund, Galatasaray and Anderlecht. Arsenal and Dortmund played two very entertaining group stage games last year, and the attacking football on show will be a feast for neutrals once again.

5. Ajax get another tough draw

Daley Blind’s move to Man United might be hastened after he hears that his side was drawn with Barcelona, PSG and Apoel Nicosia. For the third year in a row, the Dutch side have gotten a very tough draw. While Manchester United don’t have any European football, the prospect of another early elimination might persuade Blind that he may be better off making the move to England now.

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