The draw for the Group stage of the Champions League has been made in Monaco.
Holders Liverpool who were denied the usual “country protection” when UEFA gave them special dispensation to defend their title, have been drawn against Chelsea in a repeat of last season’s semi-final. The English pair have been drawn in a tough-looking group which includes Anderlecht and Real Betis.
Last year’s losing finalists Milan will meet PSV who they overcame at the semi-final stage last season. Schalke and Fenerbahce complete he group.
Perennial challengers Juventus meet Bayern Munich, Club Brugge and Rapid Vienna while Real Madrid, usually installed as favourites at this stage of the season, will be happy with the prospect of meeting French champions Lyon along with Olympiakos and Rosenborg.
Champions League draw:
GROUP A
Bayern Munich
Juventus
Club Brugge
Rapid Vienna
GROUP B
Arsenal
Ajax
Sparta Prague
Thun
GROUP C
Barcelona
Panathinaikos
Werder Bremen
Udinese
GROUP D
Manchester United
Villarreal
Lille
Benfica
GROUP E
Milan
PSV Eindhoven
Schalke
Fenerbahce
GROUP F
Real Madrid
Lyon
Olympiakos
Rosenborg
GROUP G
Liverpool
Chelsea
Anderlecht
Real Betis
GROUP H
Inter
Porto
Rangers
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