With the UEFA Champions League Draw completed, we have what looks like a thrilling group stage ahead of us with a number of mouth-watering fixtures to look forward to.
Here are the top five fixtures, groups and moments to look out for in the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League season
Group of Death
Newcastle have waited over 20 years to be back in the top tier of European football, and have six incredible fixtures waiting for them.
Being in a group with PSG, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan is far from the easiest path to the last 16, but The Magpies will back their home form under the St James’ Park lights to spring an upset against the European giants at some point during their campaign.
Harry Kane’s Return to England
After making his big move to Bayern Munich this summer, Harry Kane has been in fine form for the German champions already.
Bayern find themselves in a group with Manchester United which will be Kane’s first club match on English soil since the move – he only managed four goals in 16 appearances against them as a Spurs player and will be hoping to add to that tally.
Arsenal’s Return
Arsenal fans have been anticipating their return to the UEFA Champions League for far too long – the North London giants haven’t played in the competition since 2016/17, when they were knocked out in the last 16 by Bayern Munich.
The Gunners are a much-changed outfit since then, and with their new crop of exciting youngsters and a favourable draw against PSV Eindhoven, Lens and Sevilla, will be looking to top their group and go far in the competition.
Union Berlin vs Real Madrid
Union Berlin came out of nowhere to finish in the Champions League places in Germany last season and have ended up in a group with Champions League kings Real Madrid – the stuff of dreams for the German side.
The fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu will jump off their fixture list but it will be a real crowning moment for Union Berlin when they get the chance to welcome Los Blancos to their 22,000 capacity stadium.
Royal Antwerp vs Barcelona
In a similar fashion, Royal Antwerp being drawn in the same group as Barcelona must feel surreal for the newly-crowned Belgian champions.
After winning the Belgian Pro League in the last minute of the season, they will get the chance to host the mighty Barcelona at The Bosuilstadion with the opportunity to spring a historic European upset.
What jumps off the page for you this year in the UCL? Let us know here!
