This was a season which saw most of Europe’s leading teams progress comfortably to the knockout stages. In the ‘Group of Death’ Inter Milan missed out on qualifying from Group F, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund both progressing. Elsewhere, last year's surprise semi-finalists Ajax failed to progress as, for the first-time, only clubs from England, Spain, Germany, Italy and France progressed. Written by Joel Kiffin
Designed by Katerina O’Shaughnessy
Liverpool Liverpool backed up their Champions League triumph last year by winning their group in what has so far been an impressive season for the Merseyside outfit. However, despite qualification, it wasn’t a faultless group stage in what has been a brilliant start to the season for Jurgen Klopp’s side. Napoli took four points off Liverpool whilst an impressive RB Salzburg side ran them close in both matches as Liverpool waited until the final matchday to secure qualification. However, Liverpool remain well-placed to defend their Champions League title with a last-16 tie against an Atletico Madrid side in transition to look forward to in February.
Manchester City Manchester City finished the group stages of the Champions League as the only English side to go unbeaten. After being drawn in a favourable group, Manchester City quickly put themselves in a position of strength by winning their opening three games. Despite drawing their next two matches to Atalanta and Shakhtar Donetsk, Manchester City qualified as group winners with a game to spare as Pep Guardiola looks to win the Champions League with them for the first time. However, whilst the group stage draw may have been kind to Manchester City, they now prepare for a mouth-watering clash with Spanish giants Real Madrid. 41 | nervemedia.org.uk
