Bayern positioned as Champions League front-runners post group draws.

Just a month and a half after the epic conclusion of the 2019/20 Champions League with the final in Lisbon, Europe's elite clubs now turn their focus to the group stages of the 2020/21 season. This year, twenty-six squads enter directly, bolstered by six play-off victors, culminating in a 32-team tournament spanning across fifteen European nations, all with eyes on the prize over the coming eight months. UEFA Champions League winner at the Final on 29 May next year.

Anticipation is palpable as the group stage draw was unveiled last Friday, sparking excitement among fans everywhere. The prospect of titans clashing is undeniably tantalizing, especially when considering the stage is set for Lionel Messi's Barcelona to meet Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus—two icons likely to compete for the title of 2022 World Cup top scorer. A clash between Manchester United and PSG stands out amidst the group stage fixtures, alongside Bayern Munich’s showdown with Atletico Madrid. Bayern Munich stands proudly in Group A after clinching the Champions League title by outmatching Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 on August 23. They are favorites again, riding high with a 4/1 chance according to bookmakers. Their much-awaited face-off against Atletico Madrid has fans marking October 20 on their calendars.

Manchester City (residing in Group C) is in close contention with odds at 9/2 via Unibet. Amidst injury setbacks that have cast shadows over their Premier League run—highlighted by a disheartening 5-2 defeat against Leicester and a 1-1 draw with Leeds—Pep Guardiola's team holds onto hope. Despite ranking 14th, the potential for top-tier performances keeps them as second favorites in both Premier League and Champions League betting. major bookmakers Emerging from the group stage draw unscathed by major European powerhouses, Manchester City launches their campaign on October 21 against Porto. Following their unexpected 1-3 exit against Lyon last quarter-final, the team aims to sidestep surprises.

Liverpool (nestled in Group D) has hit some bumps early on, hitting a low with a 2-7 drubbing by Aston Villa. But as reigning Premier League champs after a thirty-year wait, they remain a force to reckon with in the Champions League, starting their journey against Ajax on October 21.

Last year's runner-up, Paris Saint-Germain (Group H), is in the mix for the championship, carrying 11/1 odds. Europe's titans, Real Madrid (Group B), Juventus (Group G), and Barcelona (also Group G), all loom large with respective odds of 14/1 for Madrid and 16/1 for Juventus and Barcelona.

Manchester United (within Group H) might be outside the favorites list for the big title, drawn with 33/1 odds, as per Spreadex. Their opener against semi-finalists PSG on October 20 promises a challenge, with a subsequent tough match against RB Leipzig on October 28.

In contrast, Chelsea (anchoring Group E) lucked out with their group stage placement. Their first rendezvous involves Europa Cup champions Sevilla on October 20. Despite this advantageous start, Frank Lampard's squad is still seen as outsiders with 25/1 odds from SkyBet. Bet365 Group A features Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Red Bull Salzburg, and Lokomotiv Moscow.

Group B is home to Real Madrid, Shakhtar Donetsk, Inter Milan, and Borussia Monchengladbach.

Group C involves FC Porto, Manchester City, Olympiakos, and Marseille.

Champions League Draw 

Group D hosts Liverpool, Ajax, Atalanta, and Midtjylland.

Group E includes Sevilla, Chelsea, Krasnodar, and Rennes.

Group F encompasses Zenit St Petersburg, Borussia Dortmund, Lazio, and Club Brugge.

Group G sees Juventus, Barcelona, Dynamo Kyiv, and Ferencvaros going head-to-head.

Group H involves Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, RB Leipzig, and Istanbul Basaksehir.

Mark your calendars for the draw on December 14. The first leg showdowns are slated for February 16/17 and 23/24, followed by second leg clashes on March 9/10 and 16/17.

The spotlight shifts to March 19 for the draw, with the action kicking off on 6/7 April for the first legs, followed by 13/14 April for the second.

Coinciding with the quarter-finals, the draw on March 19 sets the stage for the first legs on 27/28 April and second legs on 4/5 May.

Champions League Schedule

Group Stage

Matchday 1 20/21 October

Matchday 2 27/28 October

Matchday 3 3/ 4 November

Matchday 4 24/25 November

Matchday 5 1/ 2 December

Matchday 6 8/9 December

Round of 16

All roads lead to the 2020/21 Champions League Final, which will unfold at the iconic Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul on May 29.

Quarter-Finals

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Semi-Finals

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