The draw for the group stage of the Champions League this Thursday, 31 August, was not in favor of Paris Saint-Germain, who joined a strong group with Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Newcastle. RC Lens, like the Manchester City trophy holder, were also relatively spared. To continue: the clash between Bayern and Manchester United and Real Madrid against Napoli.
Paris Saint-Germain joins Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Newcastle in a formidable group for the Champions League group stage, the draw of which took place in Monaco on Thursday. The defending French champion will have to be prepared from the outset so as not to avoid being knocked out early on the road against very ambitious opponents. If it is the favorite in this Pool F, PSG could pull off an upset from each of the other three teams. The seeded Parisians will therefore have to battle it out against the vice-champions of Germany, the seven-time European champions and the rising power of English football, the Saudi capital Newcastle.
In addition to the duel between the Hernandez brothers, Lucas at PSG and Theo at Milan, the double clash will pit Paris against other Blues, Mike Magnan and Olivier Giroud. The “Rossoneri” were quarter-finalists last season, being knocked out by their neighbors Inter (1-0/2-0).
Lens, 20 Years Later
Germany’s vice-champion, doubled on the final day by Bayern, Borussia is also a strong rival, including Ivory Coast striker Sebastien Haller, prodigy Karim Adeyemi or exes Marco Reus and Mats Hummels.
Almanac
Day 1: September 19-20
Day 2: October 3-4
Matchday 3: October 24-25
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