Champions League draw: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool & more discover group stage fate

Our chief correspondent Peter Staunton has rounded up <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/barcelona-guardiola-liverpool-and-the-winners-and-losers-of/1ife0x3jl7nq81m2iojyv94v62" target="_blank">the winners and losers of the group stage draw</a>. Pep, Barcelona and Liverpool among the winners!

UCL draw winners & losers ✍️

Goalkeeper of the Season: Alisson Defender of the Season: Virgil van Dijk Midfielder of the Season: Frenkie de Jong Forward of the Season: Lionel Messi

UCL Players of the Season 🥇

These guys were on 🔥 for their clubs in the competition last season!

Here are our finalised groups for the 2019-20 Champions League: Group A: PSG, Real Madrid, Club Brugge, Galatasaray Group B: Bayern Munich, Tottenham, Olympiacos, Red Star Belgrade Group C: Manchester City, Shakhtar Donetsk, Dinamo Zagreb, Atalanta Group D: Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Lokomotiv Moscow Group E: Liverpool, Napoli, Red Bull Salzburg, Genk Group F: Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, Inter, Slavia Prague Group G: Zenit, Benfica, Lyon, RB Leipzig Group H: Chelsea, Ajax, Valencia, Lille What do you think? Which is the 'Group of Death' and which is the easiest?

Complete 2019-20 UCL group stage 🏆

We've got some really interesting match-ups!

Thanks for watching the UCL group stage draw with us! See you on September 12... 🏆 <center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> Just getting in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> mood... ──────⚪️─────────── 1:03 -3:01 Champions League Anthem Royal Philharmonic Orchestra ◄◄⠀▐▐ ⠀►► 🔈───────────────⚪️🔊 — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1167101915450290181?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

That's all, folks!

Goal's Chief correspondent Peter Staunton has written a piece looking into how <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/van-dijk-beating-messi-to-uefa-player-of-the-year-signals/15o4u5q5ibnny1g8qo5q4dciys" target="_blank">Van Dijk's triumph over Messi and Ronaldo could prove that the game is changing</a> 🏆

VVD win changing perception of defenders? ✍️

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> Did Van Dijk deserve to win the UEFA Best Men's Player award? 🤔 <a href="https://t.co/OrTSEONEON">pic.twitter.com/OrTSEONEON</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1167145550489300992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Nedved has spoken 😬

"Soon science will not only be able to slow down ageing of cells, it will fix cells and so we will become eternal," said Cantona during the ceremony. "Only accidents, crimes, wars will kill us but unfortunately crimes and wars will multiply. I love football. Thank you."

Cantona's speech 🌟

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> Ajax and Chelsea have never played each other in Europe before 🤯 <a href="https://t.co/4ZHDKLbKVo">pic.twitter.com/4ZHDKLbKVo</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1167138201699528708?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

We're in for some surprises this year 🎉

"Napoli again! I don’t know how often I’ve now played against Napoli, but they’re obviously a very experienced side," said the Liverpool manager. "I will need now to have another, closer look at Genk and Salzburg, but I already know they are very young, very exciting and very fresh, so it will be interesting, 100 per cent. I don’t think I’ve ever played against Salzburg or Genk, so that’s interesting. "It’s how it always is, it’s not an easy group and not a group where we can hide behind anybody. We have to try everything to go through, but we are really looking forward to it like always."

Klopp on the draw: "It's really interesting"

All the winners! 🤩

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> Manuel Neuer: "I think the race for first and second place will be between us and Tottenham, even though Olympiacos and Red Star are good teams." Over-confident? 😏 <a href="https://t.co/4IVQFX6Ve6">pic.twitter.com/4IVQFX6Ve6</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1167134823556747265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Here's Neuer... 💪

"It's another game for me, Atletico is a great team and I played many times against them," said Ronaldo. "I hope they don't crush me at the stadium calling me unsportsmanlike things. They have a great coach but the other two rivals are good too.” "All teams have signed to win, Barcelona, Manchester, Madrid. I hope that Juve will win, we have a great team, a great coach. We hope to be lucky this year."

More Cristiano on familiar enemies Atletico 👀

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> Time to practice our corners 🙋‍♂️ <a href="https://t.co/ua104F7CWo">https://t.co/ua104F7CWo</a> — Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) <a href="https://twitter.com/BlackYellow/status/1167115620028243969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Cornertakenquickly... 😉

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> 🔴 <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LFC</a> 🏆🏆🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLdraw?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCLdraw</a> <a href="https://t.co/3nh07rvjUc">pic.twitter.com/3nh07rvjUc</a> — #UCLdraw (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/1167131242111930374?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

What a security team this pair is! 😍

“It was a good draw, the draws are always like that.&nbsp;I am proud of the team&nbsp;and&nbsp;I cannot wait for this beautiful Champions League," said the Juventus forward, whose team has been placed in Group D along with Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen and Lokomotiv Moscow. "It won’t be easy, but I am confident. I see the beginning of the season is always tough, but it is a process. We take it one step at a time, it is always tough. I am really looking forward to it. “My first year?&nbsp;Amazing. Special. I am happy to be here," he said on his first season in Serie A. "I moved away from Real Madrid after nine years, it was a great change; I won three cups –&nbsp;Scudetto, Italian Super Cup and UEFA Nations Cup.&nbsp;It was fantastic! On an individual level, I did well and as a team we did great. I am very happy and hopefully it will be a season with more records made."

Ronaldo has his say on the UCL draw! 🐐

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> get ready for this <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChampionsLeague</a> 💪🏽<a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayern?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FCBayern</a> <a href="https://t.co/YfJPNDGWnj">pic.twitter.com/YfJPNDGWnj</a> — Thiago Alcantara (@Thiago6) <a href="https://twitter.com/Thiago6/status/1167130918919819264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Thiago Alcantara's ready for the challenge 💪

Son Heung-min: "Bayern will be special because they are one of the biggest teams in Europe, you’re always excited to play in this competition against these teams. "We need to remember and learn from what we did last year."

Son: "Bayern will be special"

Liverpool won their sixth Champions League title in 2019, which is double the number of any other English side. And we all know the magic between Liverpool and Istanbul. 👀 Manchester United have the second most, with three. 🏆🏆🏆

#7 for the Reds in Istanbul?

Here's all you need to know about the Player of the Year winners, with <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/englands-bronze-defeats-hegerberg-and-henry-for-uefa-womens/157izlu6w4ik11t1827kyoxoht" target="_blank">Lucy Bronze scooping up the women's prize</a> and <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/uefa-mens-player-of-the-year-virgil-van-dijk-pips-cristiano/1je4pgkuimd7h16j3u0rvik7bb" target="_blank">Virgil van Dijk named the best men's player</a> ahead of Lionel Messi and Ronaldo! 🐐

Need a recap?

... but we'll&nbsp;still be keeping you up to date with all the latest post-draw reaction! Is Group A the group of death? <center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> Group A Who will top the group? 🤔 <a href="https://t.co/UB7XAYbwla">pic.twitter.com/UB7XAYbwla</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1167121494499037185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

And that's a wrap for the UCL live draw...

The Netherlands and Liverpool defender has beaten out Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for the top honour! 🏆 <center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> Liverpool and Netherlands defender Virgil van Dijk named UEFA Men's Player of the Year! 🙌 <a href="https://t.co/jSvvvhLzJo">pic.twitter.com/jSvvvhLzJo</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1167124280599093249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Men's Player of the Year: Virgil van Dijk 🌟

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> Ronaldo has no plans to retire before Messi - and has a message for his haters! 😝 <a href="https://t.co/3VvzxH7JmB">pic.twitter.com/3VvzxH7JmB</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1167124125665628162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Ronaldo has a message for all his haters!

How does Van Dijk feel to be in the presence of Messi and Ronaldo? "It feels alright! I'm very proud to be here. Obviously these two guys have done pretty well over the last 15 years." 🐐

🗣VVD on Messi and Ronaldo

Leo has missed Cristiano, and vice versa ❤️ "We have shared the stage 15 years. I don't know if that's happened before in football – the same two guys, all the time. Of course we have a good relationship. We haven't had dinner together yet, but maybe in the future!" said Ronaldo. "We had that battle in Spain, I pushed him and he pushed me. So it's good to be part of history of football."

It's official!

The England international has beaten out Ada Hegerberg and Amandine Henry to the top prize! 🏆 <center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"> England and Lyon's Lucy Bronze named UEFA Women's Player of the Year! 🙌 <a href="https://t.co/YXRDOk1OzI">pic.twitter.com/YXRDOk1OzI</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1167122185972015104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2019</a></blockquote> </center>

Women's Player of the Year: Lucy Bronze

The Argentine was the top scorer last season and comes out on top ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane.

Forward of the Season: Lionel Messi

Here's how it looks after Pot 3: Group A: PSG, Real Madrid, Club Brugge Group B: Bayern Munich, Tottenham, Olympiacos Group C: Manchester City, Shakhtar Donetsk, Dinamo Zagreb Group D: Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen Group E: Liverpool, Napoli, Red Bull Salzburg Group F: Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Group G: Zenit, Benfica, Lyon Group H: Chelsea, Ajax, Valencia

Pot 3 now... nearly there!

Now a Barcelona player, Frenkie de Jong beats Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson and Tottenham's Christian Eriksen.

Midfielder of the Season: Frenkie de Jong

Here's how it looks after Pot 2: Group A: PSG, Real Madrid Group B: Bayern Munich, Tottenham Group C: Manchester City, Shakhtar Donetsk Group D: Juventus, Atletico Madrid Group E: Liverpool, Napoli Group F: Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund Group G: Zenit, Benfica Group H: Chelsea, Ajax

Now for Pot 2!

Another Liverpool winner! Van Dijk comes out on top against team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold and Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt.

Defender of the Season: Virgil van Dijk

Here's how it looks: Group A: PSG Group B: Bayern Munich Group C: Manchester City Group D: Juventus Group E: Liverpool Group F: Barcelona Group G: Zenit Group H: Chelsea Barcelona are in Group F, which, as we pointed out earlier, is statistically the best group to be in having produced 38% of the winners since 2003-04.

Pot 1 is drawn first...

The Liverpool shot-stopper beat Hugo Lloris and Marc-Andre ter Stegen. <center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 🏅 <a href="https://twitter.com/Alissonbecker?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Alissonbecker</a> 👏👏👏 <a href="https://t.co/kFiPTfdKzb">pic.twitter.com/kFiPTfdKzb</a> — #UCLdraw (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/1167110155097509888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Goalkeeper of the Season: Alisson

Former Chelsea and Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech is the other Champions League draw assistant. "You have to have the confidence that you know that you can do it," Cech says of his experience winning the trophy with Chelsea in 2012.

Cech: You have to have confidence to win the UCL

Who have you got? <center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Three superstars 😍👍<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLdraw?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCLdraw</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UEFAawards?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UEFAawards</a> <a href="https://t.co/KpbmNxnC3l">pic.twitter.com/KpbmNxnC3l</a> — #UCLdraw (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/1167107686204411904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Messi, Ronaldo or Van Dijk

Recently retired Wesley Sneijder is on the stage and will assist with the draw. "Only beautiful memories," Sneijder says. "It's the most beautiful prize you can win in football."

Sneijder: UCL is the most beautiful prize in football

Patrice Evra has backed his former Manchester United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo to be crowned UEFA Player of the Season. Asked who he thought was the best player in Europe, Evra replied: "Cristiano, my brother, Ronaldo. Always!" <center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 😎 Patrice <a href="https://twitter.com/Evra?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Evra</a> is backing former team-mate Ronaldo for UEFA Men's Player of the Year! 🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLdraw?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCLdraw</a> <a href="https://t.co/gsGzIdUohn">pic.twitter.com/gsGzIdUohn</a> — #UCLdraw (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/1167102888956649474?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

💬 Evra: My brother Ronaldo is the best

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has paid tribute to Eric Cantona, who is the recipient of the President's Award. Cantona follows the likes of Johan Cruyff, Francesco Totti and David Beckham in winning the award. The Frenchman was his usual eccentric self in receiving the award, delivering a confusing monologue to an enraptured crowd on stage. <center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">UEFA President's Award winner Eric Cantona 💪 <a href="https://t.co/WCUmIm8mTp">pic.twitter.com/WCUmIm8mTp</a>— Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1167108157409288193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Cantona 'absolutely deserves' UEFA President's Award

The draw proceedings have begun! Stay tuned for all the latest from Monaco.

There's that music! 🎶

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 🚁 Player of the Year nominee Cristiano Ronaldo has landed in Monaco! 😎 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UEFAawards?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UEFAawards</a> announced during the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLdraw?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCLdraw</a> 🔜 <a href="https://t.co/td633acvnO">pic.twitter.com/td633acvnO</a> — #UCLdraw (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/1167100384453812227?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Mr Champions League has arrived! 

This is your last chance to make a coffee before the fun starts. ☕️

🚨10-minute warning! 🚨

Only one French club has ever won the Champions League - Marseille in 1993 - and Paris Saint-Germain will be hoping to change that this season. That said, it might be a bit hard when their manager is practicing judo moves on one of their star midfielders! <center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 🥋 Unfortunately for Marco Verratti, <a href="https://twitter.com/TTuchelofficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TTuchelofficial</a> has been watching <a href="https://twitter.com/PSG_Judo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PSG_Judo</a> 💪 <a href="https://t.co/S0BHZHQ01Q">pic.twitter.com/S0BHZHQ01Q</a> — Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) <a href="https://twitter.com/PSG_English/status/1167090453239476224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

PSG hoping to bring the UCL trophy to France

...Robert Lewandowski signed a new contract with Bayern Munich. And we have to say, the man who is sixth in the list of all-time leading Champions League goalscorers is looking sharp. <center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> BREAKING 📰 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LewanGOALski?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LewanGOALski</a> is staying 😍<a href="https://twitter.com/lewy_official?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lewy_official</a> has agreed to extend his contract with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCBayern?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCBayern</a> until 2023 ✍️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MiaSanMia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MiaSanMia</a> <a href="https://t.co/YjrOFsL0Yj">pic.twitter.com/YjrOFsL0Yj</a> — FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayernEN/status/1167077721496870912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

While we've been patiently waiting for the draw...

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Waiting for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> draw like... <a href="https://t.co/BFGNhodQbY">pic.twitter.com/BFGNhodQbY</a> — Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) <a href="https://twitter.com/bayer04_en/status/1167083465243803648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center> Leverkusen are in Pot 3!

Waiting for the UCL draw like... Bayer Leverkusen 🇩🇪

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 🔜 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLDraw?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCLDraw</a> 😄 <a href="https://twitter.com/DeJongFrenkie21?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DeJongFrenkie21</a> <a href="https://t.co/nQWNPyihWI">pic.twitter.com/nQWNPyihWI</a> — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1167092931557285889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Frenkie's in town! 🇳🇱

With less than an hour to go, here are the seeding pots. Which teams would you like to see your club get? POT 1 Liverpool, Chelsea, Barcelona, Manchester City, Juventus, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Zenit POT 2 Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Napoli, Shakhtar Donetsk, Tottenham, Ajax, Benfica POT 3 Lyon, Bayer Leverkusen, Red Bull Salzburg, Olympiacos, Club Brugge, Valencia, Inter, Dinamo Zagreb POT 4 Lokomotiv Moscow, Genk, Galatasaray, RB Leipzig, Slavia Prague, Red Star Belgrade, Atalanta, Lille

Here's a reminder of the seeding pots

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Who do we want? Napoli, Club Brugge, Slavia Prague. ✅ Shakhtar Donetsk, Bayer Leverkusen, Lokomotiv Moscow. ❌ <a href="https://t.co/ajinp9JNhI">pic.twitter.com/ajinp9JNhI</a> — Jonathan Smith (@jonnysmiffy) <a href="https://twitter.com/jonnysmiffy/status/1167024422592667648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Would this be a good draw for Man City?

They had to go through the qualification rounds, but last season's semi-finalists are in Pot 3 for the group stage draw. Can they repeat their heroics of last season, even without Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt? <center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> TEAM. ♥️ Dressing room scenes last night! 🎉<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ajaapo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ajaapo</a> <a href="https://t.co/0350mMozzT">pic.twitter.com/0350mMozzT</a> — AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) <a href="https://twitter.com/AFCAjax/status/1167017939884806144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Are Ajax dark horses again? 🐴

🚨Just an hour to go! 🚨

And it's thrown up some really tasty groups. Here's what happened when we simulated a draw: Group A: Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, Olympiacos, Atalanta Group B: Juventus, Shakthar Donetsk, Lyon, Galatasaray Group C: Zenit, Borussia Dortmund, Club Brugge, Lille Group D: Liverpool, Real Madrid, Dinamo Zagreb, RB Leipzig Group E: PSG, Napoli, Valencia, Red Star Belgrade Group F: Barcelona, Ajax, Bayer Leverkusen, Genk Group G: Bayern Munich, Tottenham, Inter, Slavia Prague Group H: Manchester City, Benfica, Red Bull Salzburg, Lokomotiv Moscow What do you think? You can simulate your own Champions League draw <a href="https://draw.inker.one/#/cl/gs" target="_blank">here</a>.

We've simulated a draw...

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLdraw?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCLdraw</a> 🔜 Another excuse to enjoy this magical moment again 😉 <a href="https://t.co/18YVFQrOkV">pic.twitter.com/18YVFQrOkV</a> — Liverpool FC (@LFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1167071906467655680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Will Liverpool add number  7️⃣? 

Atalanta will be competing in the Champions League for the first time in their history after finishing third in Serie A last season. They will be the 15th different team to represent Italy in the competition. Managed by Gian Piero Gasperini, Atalanta boast players such as Luis Muriel, Martin Skrtel and Josip Illicic in their squad. <center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChampionsLeague</a>, we’re ready! 😍🇪🇺<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoAtalantaGo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoAtalantaGo</a> ⚫️🔵 <a href="https://t.co/oPDftInJVa">pic.twitter.com/oPDftInJVa</a> — Atalanta B.C. (@Atalanta_BC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Atalanta_BC/status/1166782503912427521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Atalanta's Champions League debut 🇮🇹

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 🚁Leo Messi has landed! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLdraw?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCLdraw</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UEFAawards?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UEFAawards</a> <a href="https://t.co/TOgXkGp2bx">pic.twitter.com/TOgXkGp2bx</a> — #UCLdraw (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/1167077315286839299?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Messi is here! 🐐

Spanish clubs have won five of the last six Champions League titles, with Real Madrid dominating in recent years alongside Barcelona. Real won the trophy in 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018, while Barca were victorious in 2015. Atletico Madrid, were beaten finalists in 2014 and 2016, losing to Real on both occasions. They are joined in the mix by Valencia, who were runners-up in 2000 and 2001, this season.

Can Spain regain the throne? 🇪🇸

“I would like us to play against strong teams," says Ajax forward Dusan Tadic, per UEFA.com. "Maybe it would be nice to get [Serbian champions] Red Star Belgrade too. They have fantastic fans, as we do here in Amsterdam. "Whoever we get, the group phase won’t be easy.” Can last season's semi-finalists go one step further this year?

🗣 Tadic: I want Ajax to play against strong teams

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 🎶 Calm as you like, he's Virgil van Dijk! 🎶 👋 <a href="https://twitter.com/VirgilvDijk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VirgilvDijk</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLdraw?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCLdraw</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UEFAawards?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UEFAawards</a> <a href="https://t.co/hjimw9RVk2">pic.twitter.com/hjimw9RVk2</a> — #UCLdraw (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/1167073235437047808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Virgil van Dijk has arrived in Monaco 😎

Here's a reminder of the seeding pots: POT 1 Liverpool, Chelsea, Barcelona, Manchester City, Juventus, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Zenit POT 2 Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Napoli, Shakhtar Donetsk, Tottenham, Ajax, Benfica POT 3 Lyon, Bayer Leverkusen, Red Bull Salzburg, Olympiacos, Club Brugge, Valencia, Inter, Dinamo Zagreb POT 4 Lokomotiv Moscow, Genk, Galatasaray, RB Leipzig, Slavia Prague, Red Star Belgrade, Atalanta, Lille

Just two hours until the draw! ⏱

Juventus were shockingly dumped out at the quarter-final stage of last season's Champions League by Ajax and they'll be hoping to improve on that in 2019-20. The Bianconeri have since brought Matthijs de Ligt to the club and the Netherlands international will be eager to help them win their first Champions League since 1996. Juve have suffered the most final defeats of any team in the history of the competition, losing seven out of nine deciders, with their latest loss coming to Real Madrid in 2017.

Will Juventus finally end their UCL woes? ⚪️⚫️

"The chances of Lewandowski moving up to fifth in the all-time rankings are very high, though, especially if he continues his scoring ratio of 0.66 goals per game in the tournament. "He turned 31 in August, but has shown no sign of slowing down, scoring all five of Bayern Munich's goals in their first two games of the 2019-20 Bundesliga season. "Like Champions League topscorer Ronaldo, Lewandowski has adapted his game and even improved his all-round performance as he has aged." <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/ageing-like-ronaldo-underappreciated-lewandowski-one-of-the/1g0e5og9qucvc1di2uxwowlvkp" target="_blank">Read Ronan Murphy's tribute to Lewandowski here!</a>

Is Lewandowski ageing like Ronaldo?

"The Champions League is a special competition and we're the reigning champions,” Fabinho told Liverpool’s website. “There's always going to be a lot of expectation about who we're going to come up against. We're relaxed about it." <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/fabinho-liverpool-will-relish-being-the-team-to-beat-ahead/7rj148escvw21c4funtllnjdr" target="_blank">Read the full story on Goal!</a>

🗣 Fabinho: Liverpool are relaxed about the draw

Despite reaching the final, Tottenham conceded the most goals in the Champions League last season. Mauricio Pochettino's side conceded a total of 19 times, but it was still the club's best ever performance in the competition.

Champions League fact 📝

Pep Guardiola won the Champions League twice as manager of Barcelona, but it has eluded him ever since and remains somewhat of a holy grail for Manchester City fans. However, as much and all as City are desperate to be crowned European champions, they won't pursue it at all costs. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/guardiola-wants-champions-league-success-for-man-city-but-not-at-/fl6nxj4hl3cg10kxh1i4lvwke" target="_blank">Read Goal's Manchester City correspondent Jonathan Smith on Pep's Champions League chase.</a>

Guardiola wants UCL success for Man City - but not at all costs

The Champions League group stage draw will get under way at 5pm BST (12 noon ET). Proceedings take place at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco and representatives from each club, as well as UEFA guests, will be in attendance.

When is the draw? 🕔

New Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is hoping that his Blues can mount a strong run in the Champions League, particularly given their off-field difficulties with the transfer ban. “It's a big challenge for us as a team,” Lampard said ahead of the draw. “We know that with the difficulties of the ban and where we’re at. But it shouldn’t take away from the great challenge that it is to try to do well in [the Champions League]. “I think the Premier League is so strong and that is clear when you have two teams [like Man City and&nbsp;Liverpool].&nbsp;Manchester City&nbsp;are clearly absolutely a top team in world football. “I think the English teams are strong at the moment and I hope that continues, because I think that's great for us in&nbsp;England&nbsp;and the Premier League.” <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/lampard-sets-sights-on-long-champions-league-run-with/1938ax9nwcq0d1bbz8dx0q9tzy" target="_blank">Read the full story here!</a>

Lampard targeting Champions League run

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> The Champions League 😍 What's your favourite <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> ball? <a href="https://t.co/ZIPmym4xsj">pic.twitter.com/ZIPmym4xsj</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1167058374833385472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

What's your favourite Champions League ball? 🤔

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> ✨ Introducing the official 2019/20 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> group stage match ⚽️ by <a href="https://twitter.com/adidasfootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@adidasfootball</a>! 🔥🔥🔥 🔜 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLdraw?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCLdraw</a> <a href="https://t.co/VosSapDXc6">pic.twitter.com/VosSapDXc6</a> — #UCLdraw (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/1167007733540720641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Here's the ball they'll be using! ⚽️

Since 2003-04, none of the 16 Champions League winners have emerged from Group G. So, good luck to whoever ends up in that group! By contrast, Group F is statistically the best group, with six of the last 16 winners (38 per cent) coming from that group.

Did you know Group G is unlucky❓

Liverpool, of course, enter the competition as champions after beating Tottenham in last season's final. Having scooped their sixth European title, Jurgen Klopp's side will be among the favourites to challenge once more. However, the German coach has already moved to temper expectations. "The groups will be incredible. I have no clue who will win the Champions League," Klopp said. "We have the same chance like everyone else, but that is all, and no I don't see us, the English teams, dominating." <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/klopp-english-clubs-wont-dominate-champions-league-again/wty9yo2dv98b1q2fl6cqmbdhs" target="_blank">Read the full story here</a>.

🗣 Klopp: I don't see English teams dominating UCL

As well as the group stage draw, UEFA will be handing out awards to the individuals who were deemed to have been the best in the previous season. Here are the nominees for each award: UEFA Men's Player of the Year: Lionel Messi, Virgil van Dijk, Cristiano Ronaldo UEFA Women's Player of the Year: Lucy Bronze, Ada Hegerberg, Amandine Henry Best Goalkeeper: Alisson, Hugo Lloris, Marc-Andre ter Stegen Best Defender: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Matthijs de Ligt, Virgil van Dijk Best Midfielder: Frenkie de Jong, Jordan Henderson, Christian Eriksen Best Forward: Sadio Mane, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo Who's got your vote? ✅

UEFA Player of the Year Awards 🥇

The 32 teams will be drawn into eight groups of four, with a team from each seeding pot populating a group. So, as an example, one potential group draw is: Liverpool (Pot 1), Real Madrid (Pot 2), Inter (Pot 3) and RB Leipzig (Pot 4). It should be noted that teams from the same national association cannot be drawn together in the same group. So, for example, while Barcelona are in Pot 1 and Real Madrid are in Pot 2, they will not meet in the group stage. Nor could Juventus, who are in Pot 1 and Inter, who are in Pot 3.

How does the draw work?

The draw itself kicks off at 5pm BST (12 noon ET) and to give you an idea of what lies in store, here are the seeding pots: POT 1 Liverpool, Chelsea, Barcelona, Manchester City, Juventus, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Zenit POT 2 Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Napoli, Shakhtar Donetsk, Tottenham, Ajax, Benfica POT 3 Lyon, Bayer Leverkusen, Red Bull Salzburg, Olympiacos, Club Brugge, Valencia, Inter, Dinamo Zagreb POT 4 Lokomotiv Moscow, Genk, Galatasaray, RB Leipzig, Slavia Prague, Red Star Belgrade, Atalanta, Lille

Seeding pots ⚽️

The clubs are arranged into different pots for the draw.

It's Champions League draw day and 32 teams will soon learn who they're going to be facing in the group stage. We'll be bringing you all the build-up and news as it happens from the draw, which is being held, as is tradition, at Monaco's Grimaldi Forum. You can find out everything you need to know about today's draw in our explainer, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/when-champions-league-group-stage-draw-watch-live-stream/460z9v26tj1t10zdyc4oc60kd" target="_blank">here</a>.

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Champions League draw: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool & more discover group stage fate | Goal.com

The 2019-20 Champions League group stage draw has taken place in Monaco, with Europe&apos;s elite clubs learning their fate - follow it live with Goal!

Summary