Champions League draw: Heavyweight matchups across the board
The opening stage of the 2018-19 Champions League season is set, and there is more than one quartet that could be dubbed the Group of Death.
At the bottom of the draw, Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester United’s Paul Pogba will return to their former clubs in a group completed by rejuvenated Spanish giants Valencia and Swiss minnows Young Boys.
Last term’s runners-up Liverpool were already dealt difficult assignments in Paris Saint-Germain and Napoli, and were then paired with Red Star Belgrade to round off Group C. The Serbians promise a fiery atmosphere on home soil, and also displayed their spirit in a come-from-behind away-goal victory at Red Bull Salzburg on Wednesday to reach the tournament proper.
Internazionale, possibly the toughest opponent in the final pot, were picked alongside Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspur, and PSV Eindhoven, promising a tantalizing run of 12 matches in Group B.
The first tussles of the group stage will be held on Sept. 18. The other half of opening-round fixtures will be played a day later.
