3 hours ago
17
United back in the big time
European nights will be back at Old Trafford.
And no, not the ones they have gotten far too used to in the last decade (although I bet the fans will miss that Europa League anthem; it's class). They are back among Europe's elite.
Manchester United are playing Champions League football for the first time since the 2023-24 season when Erik ten Hag was at the wheel. That feels like a lifetime ago now.
United haven't actually featured in the current format yet, so this will be an entirely different experience for the players. I bet they can't wait for those nights under the lights when that famous song comes on.
'Du du du du du du du du...'
Anyway, you know the song. I'm just fascinated to see what massive matches they will be handed. We could get some real belters with United involved.
Maybe PSG? Maybe Bayern Munich? That's what the probability index from Opta is saying, at least.
But hey, let's wait and see.
The teams in Pot 2
Here are the teams who are in pot two:
- Aston Villa
- Manchester United
- Borussia Dortmund
- Roma
- Sporting CP
- Porto
- Club Brugge
- PSV Eindhoven
- Real Betis
Who is in Pot 1?
Let's start with the top teams, shall we?
Here are the teams in pot one of the Champions League draw:
- PSG
- Bayern Munich
- Real Madrid
- Liverpool
- Inter Milan
- Manchester City
- Arsenal
- Barcelona
- Atletico Madrid
How does the draw work?
OK, OK... I better do this just in case.
I'm going to be blunt; you should know this by now. It's the the third year of this new format, so we have to get with the programme. I mean, at this point who even remembers the old format... I'm joking, I'm joking.
Anyway, I will give you a brief reminder of what to expect.
There are 36 teams in this league phase, with the top eight teams automatically advancing to the knockout stages, the bottom eight teams being eliminated, and the remaining 24 teams competing in the play-offs.
In terms of how we draw the teams against each other, there is software that does that. One ball is drawn out of the pot, and the software manufactures eight viable matches for them.
How does it work out who they play?
Well, here are the rules:
- No teams from the same association can be drawn against each other in the group phase.
- Each team can face no more than two opponents from the same football association.
- No team can face the same opponent at the same stadium for three consecutive seasons. No repeat fixtures as the first two years, such as Liverpool vs Real Madrid.
Make sense? Well, I hope it does. If not, just go with the flow.
What time is the draw?
Anywho, while I would love to talk about the Gianni Infantino FIFA presidency, we do have some other matters to attend to today. I'm pretty sure UEFA will want us to focus on that...
Here at Daily Mail Sport, we love to build suspense. I mean, it's no fun just starting from the gun and not getting all pumped about it, is it?
This Champions League draw is a big deal, so we want you all to be excited about learning which of the big boys will be facing each other.
Anyway, I guess what I am trying to say is that you have a little bit of time to go until the draw actually takes place in Monaco.
The show starts at 5pm UK time, and even then, it seems to take UEFA a gazillion years to actually start pulling balls out of the hat. Still, as long as Rod Stewart isn't doing it...
So, for the next two hours or so, you are going to have to put up with my blabbing as I try to get all of you guys hyped.
Strap in.
UEFA vs Infantino takes another turn
Wow.
That is not how I expected to be starting a Champions League draw, that's for sure. Absolutely massive news.
UEFA and its president Aleksander Ceferin have been pretty clear regarding their stance on FIFA President Gianni Infantino and his position at the governing body for some time now. They don't want him there, simple as that.
They have previously pulled their support and backing of Infantino and even threatened to boycott FIFA competition after the whole selling of shares debacle.
Now they have another threat, and this is a much bigger one.
This is certainly a story to keep an eye on as it develops. Absolutely mammoth story from our man in Monaco, Mike Keegan.
Breaking:UEFA seek criminal proceedings against Infantino
Mike Keegan in Monaco
UEFA say they will use Swiss criminal code with regards to the ‘secretive structuring, valuation, financing, and marketing’ of the controversial plans. They may also ask the authorities to establish whether Infantino, who is clinging to power, came up with a ‘fraudulently off-market price’ promoted ‘for his own benefit’.
The move comes after UEFA withdrew its plans to boycott FIFA tournaments in protest at the proposals having been given assurances there will be no repeat of the sell-off from Infantino, who is up for re-election next year.
Big Ears is back
Guess what's back, back again... Big Ears is back, tell your friends.
Well, it kind of is.
Today is the beginning of the return of the Champions League, and aren't you glad it's back? I know I am.
The group stage isn't starting yet, but this afternoon we will find out who each of the 36 teams of the now not-so-new incarnation of the league phase will be facing.
I mean, now that we are in the third season of this format, you surely all know how it works, right? Or am I going to have to explain it again? I mean, maybe I will be nice... but let's see.
Anyway, let's get this show on the road. The draw starts in two hours in Monaco, well, the start of it does, at least.
I can't wait.
