Aston Villa - Bayern Munich
For the first time in history, participating in the UEFA Champions League , Unai Emery's team will certainly have a lot of confusion, just like Leicester City and Newcastle in previous years. However, unlike their two compatriots, Villa has more reputation in the European arena, having won the old continent once.
Since 1982, after the moment the European Cup was solemnly placed at Villa Park, English football and Aston Villa itself have changed a lot. Not enough to become a challenger, but Ollie Watkins and his teammates promise to become an interesting unknown this season.
Meanwhile, after a season of total failure in domestic and continental competitions, Bayern felt like salt was being rubbed into the wound of their pride. This season, the "Gray Tigers" are no longer led by famous coaches, instead only by Vincent Kompany. Fans of the Allianz Arena team are looking forward to the performance in the European arena because that is the arena that most clearly proves the strength of the club.
Bayer Leverkusen - Inter Milan
Leverkusen and Inter are considered the two strongest representatives of Bundesliga as well as Serie A. Their destructive power in the domestic arena, especially Leverkusen's performance, turns both teams into true "monsters".
Leverkusen have never won the Champions League , while Inter have tasted glory once. Last year, the Italian representative lost to Man City in the final, so Simone Inzaghi and his team are eager to reach the final stage once again.
Meanwhile, the only person to have tasted the full glory of Leverkusen's Champions League campaign was captain Xabi Alonso. The magical night in Istanbul in 2005 remains a great source of motivation and inspiration for the young Spanish strategist.
After an unbeaten domestic season and almost winning the treble with an unbeaten record, Leverkusen and Alonso are determined to become this year's warhorses, not just dark horses.
PSG - Manchester City
The match between the rich Middle Eastern owners has always been the focus in recent years. Every time they play in the Champions League , PSG and Man City are always scrutinized because they have too many similarities. This match is always considered the exclusive playground of Arab billionaires in the European arena.
While Man City won the championship for the first time in history in 2023, PSG has only reached the final once in 2020. Without Kylian Mbappe and a series of superstars, PSG is being considered inferior to Pep Guardiola's battle-hardened army. However, Luis Enrique is gradually building a united team at the Parc des Princes and promises that when they face Man City, the king of Ligue-1 will present the most perfect face.
Arsenal - PSG
Last season, Arsenal faced Bayern and showed that they are no longer a stepping stone for the big guys. This season, with experience and strength accumulated, the "Gunners" promise to bring surprises to the "Gray Tigers" and the remaining big opponent, PSG.
In a bracket with so many strong teams, Mikel Arteta and his team need more depth than ever to compete in a larger number of matches. Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino have arrived as one of the Gunners' statements in European Cup this season.
As analyzed above, Luis Enrique is determined to start over for PSG with a new approach, aiming to use internal strength and rejuvenate the squad. Names like Bradley Barcola (21 years old), Joao Neves (19) and Warren Zaire-Emery (18) are the center of the club's development.
When the Arsenal - PSG match takes place, fans will see the abundant youth from both sides, promising a fierce and most dedicated match in the group stage.
