The much-anticipated draw for the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League group stage unfolded last Thursday, igniting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying season. Group A sees a clash of giants as Manchester United squares off against Bayern Munich, while Group F has garnered the ominous title of the ‘Group of Death’ with Paris Saint-Germain facing formidable opponents in Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, and Newcastle United.
Holders Manchester City are heavy favourites to reach the knockout stages and retain their title after drawing RB Leipzig, Red Star Belgrade and Young Boys in Group G, while Real Madrid are bidding to add to their record 14 European Cup titles but must first see their way through Group C against Napoli, Braga and Union Berlin.
How will it all play out? Let’s dive into each group, break down the storylines, and make predictions for the teams that will advance to the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League last 16, along with some betting odds from different sports betting sites for the ultimate winner at Wembley on June 1 next year.
Group A: Bayern Munich, Manchester United, FC Copenhagen, Galatasaray
Group A has more drama and storylines than your favourite TV series. Bayern Munich’s new star, Harry Kane, is returning to England to face Manchester United, the club that was once rumoured to be his future home. Imagine a parallel universe where Kane spearheads United’s attack against the Bavarian giants.
Instead, United opted for Atalanta’s rising star, Rasmus Hojlund, and fate has it that he’ll face his first club, FC Copenhagen, who interestingly also employs some of Hojlund’s siblings. Completing the quartet is Turkish champions Galatasaray, armed with the attacking talents of Mauro Icardi, Dries Mertens, and Wilfried Zaha – a dangerous outsider in the mix.
Manchester United have tasted defeat against both Galatasaray and FC Copenhagen in the past. Still, the spotlight here is on the glamour of Bayern vs. United, a rematch of the 1999 Final, where United secured a thrilling 2-1 victory with two stoppage-time goals in Barcelona. It’s Kane vs. Hojlund and a revival of a European rivalry on hold since Bayern knocked out United in the 2013-14 quarterfinals.
Together, Bayern and Man Utd boast nine Champions League titles, with Bayern clinching the trophy six times and United three. Bayern’s acquisition of Kane this summer makes them a genuine threat to Manchester City’s reign, and they’re priced at 6.5 odds on 1xbet to win the title. United are still a work in progress under Erik Ten Hag but should be able to advance to the last 16. You can get them at odds of odds of 1.25 on 1xbet to finish in the top two.
Bayern to win 2023/24 UCL @ 6.5
Group B: Sevilla, Arsenal, PSV, Lens
Group B sees Arsenal making a long-awaited return to the Champions League after six years. Sevilla, known for their Europa League prowess, aim to make a statement in the big league despite a lacklustre La Liga performance last season. Meanwhile, PSV and Lens are here to make their mark, but it’s an uphill battle.
PSV did manage a 2-0 victory against Arsenal in last season’s Europa League group stage, but they’re unlikely to pose a significant threat. Lens, who narrowly missed out on the Ligue 1 title, suffered a setback with the departure of their top scorer, Loïs Openda, to RB Leipzig.
Arsenal should comfortably clinch the top spot in Group B, securing their place among the seeded teams for the round of 16. Sevilla, despite their domestic struggles, carry a solid European pedigree with seven Europa League titles in 17 years. They’re the biggest threat to Arsenal and can be a value pick @ 5.5 odds on 1xbet to win the group, but neither PSV nor Lens have the firepower to challenge the top two.
Arsenal to win 2023/24 UCL @ 11Group C: Napoli, Real Madrid, Braga, Union Berlin
In Group C, Italian champions Napoli and record UCL winners Real Madrid are the heavyweights. Braga and debutants Union Berlin are facing an uphill battle.
It’s expected that Braga and Berlin will be battling for third place in the group, vying for a spot in the Europa League knockout stages. When 14-time European champions Real Madrid visit the 22,000-capacity Stadion An der Alten Forsterei, it will be a moment that will live forever in the hearts of Union Berlin fans.
Real Madrid, having lost Karim Benzema to Al Ittihad and with Vinícius Júnior injured, will face stiff competition from Napoli, led by Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen. Napoli’s rock-solid home record makes them worthy contenders, but Real Madrid’s knack for mastering the group stage remains the truly intriguing element. With their storied history in the tournament, taking a punt on them at tempting 9 odds on Betking to clinch their 15th trophy could turn out to be a brilliant wager.
Real Madrid to win 2023/24 UCL @ 9.0
Group D: Benfica, Inter, Salzburg, Real Sociedad
Group D is as wide open as the door of a church looking for new converts. Any of the four teams could clinch the top spot, making it to the round of 16.
Inter, despite reaching last season’s final, face significant challenges this year, having lost key players, including goalkeeper Andre Onana, defender Milan Škriniar and midfielder Marcelo Brozovic during the summer transfer window. Despite being defeated by Inter in last season’s campaign, Benfica enter the group as second favourites. Salzburg, known for unearthing young talents, are always a dark horse in the group stage. Meanwhile, it’s crucial not to underestimate Real Sociedad, as they remain a formidable contender.
Benfica’s recent track record and the imposing Estadio da Luz make them a formidable prospect and worth a cheeky punt at odds of 3.40 on Betking to win the group, but the contest for supremacy in Group D could remain a nail-biter until matchday six, as all teams are of similar calibre.
Inter Milan to win 2023/24 UCL @ 25.0Group E: Feyenoord, Atlético de Madrid, Lazio, Celtic
In Group E, Atlético de Madrid are the favourites, following an impressive start to their domestic season in Spain. A more expansive style in Europe could see Diego Simeone’s side return to the final, something they haven’t achieved since 2016. However, it’s worth noting that despite reaching the final on three occasions, they’ve never managed to clinch the title. Looking at the rest of the group, it’s a pretty open field.
Celtic Park must become a fortress for Brendan Rodgers’ team to progress. Lazio have struggled in Serie A and said goodbye to their star player, midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, in the summer. Despite the loss of influential playmaker Orkun Kökcü, Feyenoord should not be underestimated.
Atlético de Madrid to win 2023/24 UCL @ 23
Group F: Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, Newcastle United
Group F is the famed Group of Death, and Christmas come early for neutrals. PSG, with Kylian Mbappé back in their good books, are slight favourites, but there are no guarantees. The footballing world is eager to see if Luis Enrique’s efforts will shape PSG into a cohesive unit after a summer of transfers.
Borussia Dortmund have faced a barrage of challenges, dealing with early-season struggles and the departure of Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid. AC Milan, reinforced with talents like Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Yunus Musah, and Nigerian star Samuel Chukwueze, are a formidable contender. Newcastle, back among Europe’s elite after two decades, have nothing to lose and will vie with PSG and Milan for a spot in the last 16.
PSG have long sought this Holy Grail and would hope their new-look, all-French frontline of Mbappé, Randal Kolo Muani and Ousmane Dembele can succeed where Lionel Messi and Neymar failed. Betking offers a fantastic 5 odds for Mbappé to clinch the top scorer title in this season’s UCL.
PSG to win 2023/24 UCL @ 15Group G: Manchester City, RB Leipzig, Red Star Belgrade, Young Boys
The defending champions, Manchester City, had Lady Luck smiling upon them during the Group G draw. It set the stage for a rematch against RB Leipzig, a team they faced in the round of 16 last season, with City’s Erling Haaland scoring a jaw-dropping five goals. Don’t miss out on the exciting opportunity to bet on Haaland’s odds of 2.20 to claim the Golden Boot once more at 22bet.
However, this time around, Leipzig have had a bittersweet summer. They’ve lost not one but two of their star players (defender Josko Gvardiol to Man City and playmaker Christopher Nkunku to Chelsea), a double blow that has undoubtedly weakened their squad.
Red Star Belgrade and Young Boys round up the group, both considered underdogs in this scenario. This group couldn’t have been more favourable for Manchester City if Pep Guardiola had drawn it himself. It gives the Spaniard the perfect opportunity to rotate his squad, rest key players when needed, and potentially secure a spot in the last 16 well before the final matchday.
The formidable unbeaten run Manchester City enjoyed last season firmly establishes them as strong contenders to retain their title. Guardiola, who has secured three previous Champions League victories, is determined to add another star to his collection. However, despite his past successes, defending the title has proven to be a challenge in previous attempts, and it remains an elusive goal for the talented manager. The upcoming campaign presents a fresh chance for him and his squad to rewrite history and follow in the footsteps of Real Madrid by claiming back-to-back Champions League titles.
Manchester City to win 2023/24 UCL @ 3.25
Group H: Barcelona, FC Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk, Royal Antwerp
Group H promises excitement for Barcelona, quite unlike the tough draw they faced last season. Their primary challenge comes from Porto, a European powerhouse. Barcelona must be in top form to prevail against this Portuguese titan, and much will rest on the goalscoring form of Robert Lewandowski. Betway presents a generous opportunity with odds of 9.95 for the Polish striker to claim the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League Golden Boot.
On the other side, there’s Royal Antwerp, Belgian champions making a triumphant return after 66 years. While they may not threaten Barcelona and Porto, football’s unpredictability keeps the door slightly ajar for surprises.
Lastly, Shakhtar Donetsk, driven by history and a passionate fan base, aims to shine on the European stage and bring joy to its fans in war-torn Ukraine. They could be the dark horses, setting the stage for captivating clashes against Barcelona and Porto.
Barcelona should top the group, with Porto as their main challenger for the second spot. The third-place battle will be fierce between Royal Antwerp and Shakhtar Donetsk, ensuring Group H’s status as one of the most intriguing in the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League.
Barcelona to win 2023/24 UCL @ 15.10
Bonus: Underdog Stories
While the UEFA Champions League has become more predictable in recent times, there are still enticing betting opportunities for historically strong teams that have faced challenges of late. Consider placing your bets on PSG (7.15 odds), Manchester United (8.80 odds), Napoli (9.90 odds), AC Milan (17.30 odds), Sevilla (26 odds), or Porto (32 odds) to reach this season’s final at Wembley. Don’t miss out on the action; get involved on Betway.
The stage is set, and the excitement is palpable for what promises to be an unforgettable journey in the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League as Europe elites clash, each vying for ultimate glory at Wembley on June 1 next year.