The draw for the group stage of the 2023/24 Champions League produced several intriguing matches involving some of the top clubs in Europe.
Reigning champions Manchester City have been fortunate to land in a favourable group, but numerous other big clubs face tricky tests during the opening phase.
With that in mind, we look at the best ties to attend during the group stage, starting with a blockbuster clash between two of the tournament’s big hitters.
Bayern Munich vs Manchester United – September 20
Fans will be clamouring to find football tickets for the Group A game between Bayern Munich and Manchester United at the Allianz Arena on September 20.
Bayern last won the Champions League in 2020 and are desperate to regain the trophy after exiting the competition in the quarter-finals in each of the last three seasons.
They have pushed the boat out to sign England striker Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspur this summer, and the onus is on him to fire the goals that leads them to glory.
Man United will also be eager to make their mark in the tournament following a series of disappointments in Europe but could have their work cut out against Bayern.
Napoli vs Real Madrid – October 3
Napoli and Real Madrid are expected to dominate proceedings in Group C, with Braga and Union Berlin likely to struggle to compete with them.
The reigning Serie A champions reached the quarter-finals of this competition last season and will be eager to progress even further this time around.
Their home game against Madrid on October 3 promises to be an exciting affair, with both teams capable of producing some truly devastating football.
Jude Bellingham is one to watch for the visiting side as he strives to continue his progression into one of the best midfielders in the world.
Newcastle United vs Paris Saint-Germain – October 4
The Champions League draw generally produces one ‘group of death’, and this season’s competition is no different in that regard.
Newcastle have landed in a fiendishly tricky Group F alongside Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan.
Their results at St James’ Park will be crucial to their hopes of reaching the last-16, and they will want to make a fast start against PSG on October 4.
However, the visitors have made some eye-catching additions to their squad this summer and could prove to be too hot to handle for the Magpies.
Celtic vs Atletico Madrid – October 25
With every other Scottish Premiership club already falling by the wayside in European competitions, Celtic have been left to fly the flag for their home nation.
They have been drawn in a tough group alongside Feyenoord, Atletico Madrid and Lazio, but will believe they can progress to the knockout stage.
Their home game against Atletico on October 25 promises to be a cracker, with Parkhead guaranteed to be rocking for the visit of the La Liga outfit.
With pantomime villain Diego Simeone in the away dugout, this clash will not be for the faint-hearted.
PSV Eindhoven vs Arsenal – December 12
Arsenal are big favourites to progress from Group B, but they would do well not to underestimate any other team in the group.
Europa League champions Sevilla can be a tough nut to crack in UEFA competitions, while Lens proved to be a handful in Ligue 1 last year.
PSV Eindhoven will also expect to do well, having booked their place in this stage of the competition with a comfortable 7-3 aggregate victory over Rangers.
Arsenal will be keen to have secured progression to the last-16 before this fixture on December 12, particularly given that PSV will likely be in contention for the other qualification spot.
