Top 10 matches to watch out for in UCL group stages

The pinnacle of Europe’s highest level of football will be offering a number of exciting games once again this season.

As the UEFA Champions League is returning for a brand new season, there is a lot to look forward to in European football. The fans are back and with them comes the electric atmospheres of UCL nights.

The group stage draw has brought us some exciting games this season. Several heavyweights have been paired together to give us a number of quality matches in the group stages. With the International break now over, a highly-awaited UEFA Champions League is set to kick off in style.

Khel Now brings to you the top 10 group stage matches that you simply cannot miss out on.

10. Wolfsburg Vs Sevilla

A tie to certainly watch out for from a tightly contested Group G. All four teams are more than capable of ousting the others. However, these two teams have begun the season strongly and have done well to retain key players coming into the new season.

Wolfsburg are the only team in Bundesliga to have a perfect record after three matches. Sevilla, meanwhile, managed to hold on to Jules Kounde and have also begun the season well. In a group of fine margins, matches like these will be very important and hard to predict.

9. Manchester United Vs Atalanta

Two excellent teams will go head-to-head in Group F of the UEFA Champions League. The tie will certainly be looked up to for the high-octane football that it will bring along. Both teams are one of the highest-scoring teams in Europe; a high-scoring tie can be expected.

Both sides will be vying for that number one spot in Group F. It is expected to be a season of redemption for Manchester United and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Atalanta, on the other hand, will be looking to keep their impressive form going and improve upon recent finishes.

8. AFC Ajax Vs Borussia Dortmund

The fans are finally back in football and a match between Ajax and Dortmund is certainly one for the fans. Two of the greatest, most passionate fanbases will be on display in this game. The return of Dortmund’s famous yellow wall and Ajax’s famous Amsterdam Ultras will set the perfect atmosphere on both legs. The tie will be one to keep your eyes on.

7. Liverpool Vs AC Milan

A classic rematch between two UEFA Champions League giants. The two clubs have met twice in the UCL and on both occasions, it was in the final. The 2004/05 final is one of Champions League’s greatest matches ever, where Liverpool came back from a three-goal deficit to win it on penalties.

This season marks AC Milan’s return to the UEFA Champions League after eight long years. A match against Liverpool in the group stage would be a fitting representation of what the competition holds for. In a competitive group such as this, every tie will have high stakes and both teams will be looking to impress.

6. Manchester United Vs Villarreal

A rematch of last season’s UEFA Europa League final. It was a tightly contested final that was decided by one of the longest penalty shoot-outs in recent times.

Manchester United and their fans would be eagerly awaiting this group stage tie. They would be eager to set things straight and take revenge. In fact, Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 13 goals and five assists against Villareal in 19 matches. A terrific record for the Portuguese. Villareal, on the other hand, would be hoping to get the better of their opponents one more time.

5. Inter Milan Vs Real Madrid

Three out of four teams from this group were drawn together last season as well. However, the group ended quite differently for both teams. While Real Madrid qualified in first place, Inter crashed out after finishing at the last spot.

Both teams look a lot different from last season. With the departure of key players and managers, a completely different game is to be expected. Both teams have recruited well and will be confident of their chances coming into the season. Inter Milan will have revenge on their mind; while Real Madrid will look to impress in their favourite competition.

4. FC Barcelona Vs Bayern Munich

A richly contested affair between two European spearheads. The two teams have met several times over the last decade and not once has the tie been closely contested. High-scoring aggregate ties of 5-1, 0-7, 5-3 and most recently 2-8 have been a feature of this figure.

The absence of Leo Messi will play a crucial role in Barcelona's UEFA Champions League campaign. Bayern Munich, too, look far from what they were a couple of seasons ago and their overreliance on Robert Lewandowski is beginning to show a little. An exciting goal fest in the first round would set the tone well for the entire group stage.

3. Atletico Madrid Vs Liverpool

An incredibly exciting tie between two sides who look very good this season. Both sides stand an excellent chance at finishing at the top of the group and will be vying for it with all guns blazing.

The two teams met in the round of 16 of the 2019/20 UEFA Champions League season and it was an enthralling match, to say the least. Both teams are arguably underdog contenders for the European title. However, both sides will have to work hard to progress through a rather difficult group.

2. Juventus Vs Chelsea

The match to watch out for in group H. Defending champions Chelsea will take on an uncharacteristic and young Juventus side. It will be an exciting tie between two teams with excellent managers – Thomas Tuchel and Massimiliano Allegri. Two managers with an impressive defensive structure, two teams that are hard to score against.

It will be a tie of fine margins as both teams will be eyeing for the top spot of Group H.

1. Paris Saint-Germain Vs Manchester City

Two of the richest clubs in the world will go head-to-head in one of the most-awaited ties of this season. Matches like these is why we love the UCL so much.

Manchester City have often had their fair share of luck when it comes to the UEFA Champions League group stages. This time, however, things look different for the Citizens. As for PSG, this group stage tie will test the mettle of a new, star-studded side that enter the tournaments as clear favourites.

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