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Highlights

  • Four Premier League sides now know their groups for the 2023/24 Champions League.
  • Scottish Premier League champions Celtic have been drawn in Group E with Feyenoord, Atletico Madrid and Lazio.
  • This season's final will take place at London's Wembley Stadium.

The excitement is palpable as we count down the days to the commencement of the 2023/24 Champions League group stage. European football is set to reach its pinnacle once again, drawing in millions of fans from across the globe.

One of the major attractions this season is the return of the reigning champions, Manchester City, who are looking to defend their esteemed title. Given their impressive run in the previous season, they are anticipated to bring a mix of flair and strategy to the pitch once again.

Manchester City isn't the only team from England that's gaining attention. This year's competition will see a strong representation from the Premier League, with three other top-tier teams marking their presence. Arsenal, with their rich history in European competitions and recent strong performances, are gearing up to showcase their might. Manchester United, a team with a legacy that speaks volumes about their calibre, will undoubtedly be keen to add another European trophy to their illustrious cabinet. And then, there's the resurgent Newcastle. Having climbed their way into the Champions League, they represent hope and the promise of thrilling matches.

champions league trophy

However, the British Isles' representation doesn't stop at England. The Scottish Premier League champions, Celtic, have secured their position in the first round proper. Celtic's storied past in the Champions League and their undying spirit makes them a team to watch out for. However, their Scottish rivals, Rangers, will not be making an appearance in the competition this season, after being beaten 7-3 on aggregate by PSV Eindhoven. That result means that they will be embarking on a quest for Europa League glory this season instead.

Beyond just the British teams, it's important to remember that Europe's finest clubs will be participating. Each of these teams will be aiming to etch their names in the annals of football history. As they prepare to battle it out in the group stages, strategies are being devised, players are training harder than ever, and coaches are analysing their potential opponents.

The Champions League is not just about football; it's about passion, pride, and the relentless pursuit of glory. As teams converge on this grand stage, they bring with them dreams of their fans and the weight of their club's history. And as we move closer to the 2023/24 Champions League group stage, the anticipation only grows. Every pass, every goal, and every save will be etched in the memories of fans worldwide.

With such a stellar lineup of teams and with every group now known, the 2023/24 Champions League is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. With a mix of legendary clubs, fierce rivalries, and the promise of mesmerising football, this is an event that no football aficionado would want to miss. Mark your calendars, gather your friends, and get ready to be part of this incredible football journey!

The groups

General view inside the forum during the UEFA Champions League Draw
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A total of 26 teams qualified for the 2023/24 Champions League via their finishing position in their domestic league last season, while a further six teams have earned a spot through the playoffs. Those six additional teams are Royal Antwerp, Copenhagen, Galatasaray, PSV, Sporting Braga and Young Boys.

Those 32 teams have been sorted into eight groups of four, with one team from each pot being placed into each group. This is the last time the competition will have this group stage format, with a new 36 team 'Swiss Model' in place for the 2024/25 season.

Clubs from the same league cannot be drawn against each other at this stage of the competition, but teams from England and Scotland could face off in the group stages.

Group A

FC Bayern Munich

Manchester United

Copenhagen

Galatasaray

Group B

Sevilla FC

Arsenal FC

PSV Eindhoven

RC Lens

Group C

SSC Napoli

Real Madrid

SC Braga

Union Berlin

Group D

SL Benfica

Inter Milan

FC Salzburg

Real Sociedad

Group E

Feyenoord

Atletico Madrid

S.S. Lazio

Celtic

Group F

Paris Saint-Germain

Borussia Dortmund

AC Milan

Newcastle United

Group G

Manchester City

RB Leipzig

Red Star Belgrade

BSC Young Boys

Group H

FC Barcelona

FC Porto

Shakhtar Donetsk

Royal Antwerp

Read more: Live Football On TV - Fixtures and Streams

How to watch the group stage live

General view showing television cameras at the Olympic Stadium.

Football enthusiasts in the UK cannot wait for the Champions League group stage to kick off, but there is only one channel to tune into if you don’t want to miss out on a moment of the action.

Once again, TNT Sports, formerly BT Sport, has exclusive rights to the prestigious competition in the UK. Renowned for its comprehensive coverage of major sports events, TNT Sports promises to provide fans with insightful commentary, expert analysis, and behind-the-scenes glimpses surrounding televised games. Watching games on a big screen, coupled with the channel's top-notch production values, will certainly enhance the experience and immerse viewers in the electric atmosphere of any match.

For those of you watching from around the world, you can click here to see which platforms are showing the 2023/24 competition in your country.

Group Stage Schedule

Manchester United fans hold up flags ahead of the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final
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Breaking down the structure, the teams from Groups A to D will play on distinct days, separate from those in Groups E to H. This not only allows fans to enjoy more live action without overlapping games but also promises a concentrated focus on individual matches. By separating the groups, UEFA is ensuring that the attention and spotlight are evenly divided, allowing each team to bask in their moments of glory or face the critiques of their performances.

Furthermore, this arrangement might provide teams with strategic advantages. With matches spread out, managers and coaches can get a clearer view of their group's dynamics and make more informed decisions. They can study their opponents in real-time, adjust their tactics, and respond to unfolding situations more effectively.

  • Matchday 1: 19/20th September 2023
  • Matchday 2: 3/4th October 2023
  • Matchday 3: 24/25th October 2023
  • Matchday 4: 7/8th November 2023
  • Matchday 5: 28/29th November 2023
  • Matchday 6: 12/13th December 2023

With only a few weeks to go until the action all kicks off once again, football fans across the world will be counting down the days until they get to see Europe's biggest club competition return to stadiums and their TV screens.

Key Dates

Newcastle's Fabrizio Asprilla leaps.
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  • Round of 16: 13th/14th/20th/21st February & 5th/6th/12th/13th March 2024
  • Quarter-finals: 9th/10th & 16th/17th April 2024
  • Semi-finals: 30th April/1st May & 7th/8th May 2024
  • Final: 1st June 2024 (Wembley Stadium, London)

Round of 16: Come December, and we'll see the draw that decides the fate for the top 16. But it's the matches in February and March that will truly separate the men from the boys.

Quarter-finals: Draw in March and matches in April. With only eight teams left, every pass, every goal, every save can be the difference between glory and heartbreak.

Semi-finals: The end of April and early May is when dreams are on the line. It's intense, it's nerve-wracking, it's the Champions League at its best.

Final: The showdown we've all been waiting for. On 1st June 2024, two teams, one trophy, and a place in history. Wembley Stadium will be buzzing, the world will be watching, and legends will be born.