The draw for the Champions League group stages has been made.
It's a mixed bag for the British clubs, with Manchester United and Liverpool getting favourable draws, while Tottenham must face Real Madrid and Dortmund, while Chelsea face Atletico and Roma.
Here's the draw in full:
Group A: Benfica, Manchester United, Basel, CSKA Moscow
Group B: Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Anderlecht, Celtic
Group C:Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, Roma, Qarabag
Group D: Juventus, Barcelona, Olympiakos, Sporting
Group E: Spartak Moscow, Sevilla, Liverpool, Maribor
Group F: Shakhtar Donetsk, Manchester City, Napoli, Feyenoord
Group G: Monaco, Porto, Besiktas, RB Leipzig
Group H: Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Tottenham, APOEL
Why Man United have a huge advantage
The five Premier League teams taking place in this season’s Champions League have discovered their fixtures, and Manchester United have been handed a huge derby advantage.
Before the Red Devils host Manchester City at Old Trafford on the weekend of December 9, they’ll have played a home match against CSKA Moscow on Tuesday, December 5.
Manchester City, however, will have faced a gruelling 3,500-mile round trip to Donetsk to play Shakhtar on the following day.
The news will hardly have been received well by City boss Pep Guardiola, as the English clubs found out their Champions League fate on Thursday .
United face a home game with Crystal Palace after their longest trip to Moscow to face CSKA on September 27.
Liverpool also go to Moscow that same week - potentially creating travel issues for both clubs’ fans - with that fixture coming in the midle of a week on that road that’ll see Liverpool also go to Leicester and Newcastle.
Chelsea will have to go to Anfield after a long trek to Azerbaijan to face Qarabag, while Spurs face a tough schedule as they take on Manchester United and Arsenal immediately after group games against Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.
The full list of fixtures and the Premier League games coming before and after them can be found right here.
And finally Group H with Spurs
Have Spurs been handed the toughest assignment of the English sides...
Real Madrid
The reigning champions, having become the first side to retain the trophy in the Champions League era, remain the team to beat.
Zinedine Zidane’s starting XI looks as strong as anything out there, led by the continued phenomenal goalscoring exploits of Cristiano Ronaldo. It is ably backed up by some of Europe’s hottest young talent, including Marco Asensio.
Borussia Dortmund
Thomas Tuchel has departed, Ousmane Dembele looks set to do likewise, but a young, adventurous side again will hope to reach at least the last eight.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang remains to lead the line once more, while the outstanding Christian Pulisic has a greater role to play.
Tottenham
Mauricio Pochettino’s men have been the best/most consistent side in the Premier League over the last two years - unfortunately, that doesn’t get you silverware.
Failed on their return to this competition last term, being dumped out of the group stage having elected to play games at Wembley. Now, they face a much tougher test.
APOEL
The 26-time Cypriot champions reached the round of 16 in the Europa League last term, beating Athletic Bilbao in the last 32.
They’ve seen off F91 Dudelange, Viitorul Constanta and Slavia Prague to reach this point, but won’t be expected to go much further.
Group G in focus
Last season’s beaten semi-finalists Monaco head up Group G...
Monaco
Last season’s fairytale story, Monaco blasted their way to the semi-finals in 2016-17.
The French champions may not be able to produce similar, largely thanks to the the loss of key players, notably Benjamin Mendy, Bernardo Silva and Tiemoue Bakayoko. At least Kylian Mbappe remains, for now.
Porto
The Portuguese side were dumped out in the round of 16 last term by Juventus, and - like Benfica - have again lost key men, notably Andre Silva.
A new manager, Sergio Conceicao, has arrived, having done remarkable work with Nantes last term and will hope his methods translate to the Dragao.
Besiktas
Senol Gunes led Besiktas to glory in the league last term and they’ve been emphatic with their summer signings.
Pepe, Gary Medel and Alvaro Negredo have all joined but are do the Black Eagles have the necessary quality to get into the last 16.
RB Leipzig
The German upstarts enjoyed a magnificent maiden season in the Bundesliga, and have held on to their key players during the summer.
Now, can the likes of Timo Werner and Naby Keita do the business against the European elite; certainly, they’ll go without fear.
A look at Manchester City's Group F
Manchester City’s Group F next - here’s a look at the four teams in this one:
Shakhtar Donetsk
Shakhtar were back on top in Ukraine last term and Daniel Fonseca’s side will once more call upon their usual mix of Eastern European obdurity at the back, and South American flair in attack.
Former Newcastle loanee Facundo ‘Chucky’ Ferreyra has started the new Ukrainian season well, while Darijo Srna is into his 15th season at the club.
Man City
Pep Guardiola has spent heavily to add more attacking punch to his side, with the craft of Bernardo Silva and the pace/power of both Kyle Walker and Benjamin Mendy at fullback.
Sergio Aguero will again be the main man in front of goal and they’ll hope to go deep into the competition - but against the very best, are they defensively sound enough?
Napoli
The Neapolitans cruised through the Playoff round, comfortably seeing off Nice 4-0 on aggregate - and it could have been 10.
Marek Hamsik directs operations, Lorenzo Insigne and Dries Mertens offer threat, they’re one of the most aesthetically pleasing sides across the continent.
Feyenoord
Surprise winners of the Dutch title, Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men will be backed vociferously by the Rotterdammers in De Kuip.
Lost key man Dirk Kuyt to retirement, third looks to be their upper limit.
A guide to Liverpool's Group E
Liverpool were drawn in Group E - here’s a look in detail...
Spartak Moscow
The Russian side found their way as top seeds after winning the title in Russia last season, but were undoubtedly the weakest of the sides in Pot One.
Antonio Conte’s former assistant, Massimo Carrera, took the side to their first title since 2001; now the lightning quick winger Quincy Promes and Brazilian striker Luiz Adriano will lead their attack.
Sevilla
Under another new manager in Eduardo Berizzo, Sevilla scraped through the playoffs, but were a post’s width away from being dumped out by Istanbul BB.
Their pedigree in Europe’s secondary competition has been outstanding over the last decade or so, but they have continually flattered to deceive among the big boys.
Liverpool
Liverpool came through the Playoff round with their awesome attack destroying Hoffenheim, even in spite of the absent wantaway playmaker Philippe Coutinho.
Sides will need to be wary of their pace they have on the counter-attack, while Jurgen Klopp will hope to repeat his exploits of 2013, when he led Borussia Dortmund to the final.
NK Maribor
The Violets edged by Hapoel Be’er Sheva in the Playoff round, but it will be a great shock if Darko Milanic - a former Leeds manager - can keep them in Europe post Christmas.
A team-by-team guide to Group D
This is how Group D is shaping up...
Juventus
Last season’s beaten finalists, Max Allegri’s men didn’t give a good account of themselves as they were steamrollered by Real in Cardiff.
But the Bianconeri will once again be there or thereabouts, although there remain questions regarding the replacing of Dani Alves and Leonardo Bonucci.
Barcelona
The Spanish giants produced arguably the greatest comeback in the history of the competition with their second round great escape against PSG.
Since then however they’ve been beaten by Juventus emphatically, beaten by Real Madrid emphatically and have lost Neymar to the French side. Their greatest-ever era looks to be reaching its close.
Olympiacos
The Greek champions were too good for Rijeka in the Playoff round, but have made little headway in the group stage of this competition in recent seasons.
The Nigerian striker, Emmanuel Emenike, now leads their attack.
Sporting
Jorge Jesus’ side play attacking stuff and have the goals of Bas Dost - 36 in 41 last term - at the forefront of their attack.
Look out for a young No.9, Marcos Acuna, signed from Argentine side Racing Club in the summer.
Group C team-by-team
This is how Chelsea’s Group C looks...
Chelsea
Antonio Conte’s side are back at Europe’s top table after a one year absence, and do so as champions of England.
Conte struggled to make his mark on the continent during his time with Juventus, but will be confident of reaching the last eight (at least).
Atletico Madrid
Diego Simeone’s men were beaten by their great city rivals in last year’s semi-finals and, while their transfer ban means there are no new faces, they haven’t lost anyone either.
Should again be contenders, but how will they adapt to their new surroundings at the Wanda Metropolitano?
Roma
The Giallorossi are beginning a new post-Francesco Totti era, under Eusebio Di Francesco, stepping up after doing good work with Sassuolo.
Edin Dzeko top-scored in Serie A with 29 goals last term and leads the line, while 21-year-old midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini is one to watch, having followed Di Francesco.
Qarabag
The Azerbaijan side surprisingly came through a playoff with Copenhagen, but have been handed a horrible draw on their debut in the group stage.
Group B team-by-team
Here’s a team-by-team guide to Group B...
Bayern Munich
Bayern romped to the German title with relative ease last term, but were disappointed to fall to Real in the last eight of last season’s Champions League.
The club are going through something of a transitional period following the retirements of Xabi Alonso and Philipp Lahm, but they’ll still expect to contend next May.
Paris Saint-Germain
Unai Emery is a three-time Europa League winner with Sevilla, and was hired to lead PSG to UCL glory; their collapse to Barcelona ensured that didn’t happen last term.
Now, with the arrival of a bona-fide game-changer in Neymar, they look well set to be in the conversation for the trophy.
Anderlecht
The Belgian side put in a strong showing in the Europa League last term, running to the quarter-finals before being beaten by Manchester United.
However, that success ensured Youri Tielemans a summer move to Monaco, while other youngsters - such as Dennis Praet and Leandro Derdoncker - are also coveted. Getting through the group would be a major success.
Celtic
Brendan Rodgers’ side want to play progressive football, but their Playoff win over Astana - 8-4 on aggregate - showed their Achilles heel will once more be their defensive capabilities.
A difficult group last year featured a 7-0 thrashing by Barcelona; Rodgers reckons they can finish in the top two, but will need his defence to be greatly improved.
Group A team-by-team
Here’s a look at Group A, in which Manchester United fell...
Benfica
The Eagles won a 36th Portuguese title last term but were thrashed by Borussia Dortmund in the round of 16.
Again this summer they have sold key men, including keeper Ederson and Victor Lindelof. Much is expected of Franco Cervi.
Man United
Manchester United put all their eggs in the Europa League basket late last season, and it paid off as they beat Ajax in Stockholm.
Now they’re back at Europe’s top table and the likes of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Paul Pogba will hope to make an impression. Having been handed a fortunate draw can Jose Mourinho win a third Champions League?
Basel
Swiss champions 17 points clear of the rest last term, they’ve a new manager in former Swiss midfielder Raphael Wicky this term.
Look out for Ricky van Wolfswinkel, who flopped in the Premier League with Norwich, up front…he’s confident again after 23 goals for Vitesse last term in Holland, starting life in Switzerland with four in four.
CSKA Moscow
Every year they’re here. Every year they don’t get through.
Igor Akinfeev doesn’t do clean sheets in Europe. Can they finish third?
Harry Kane reacts to the draw
Tottenham striker Harry Kane is excited/putting a brave face on that tricky draw for Spurs.
Kane has netted two goals in his three Champions League games to date, but Tottenham have only won two of their last nine games in the competition.
The England man needs to keep up his goalscoring ways if he’s to get Spurs out of Group H...
More on the draw in full
Manchester United will be confident of claiming a spot in the Champions League knockout rounds after being handed a favourable draw on their return to Europe’s premier club competition.
The Red Devils, back in the competition after winning the Europa League last term, will take on familiar foes in the shape of Benfica, Basel and CSKA Moscow.
United, second seeds, avoided one of the big guns in Pot A, being handed the Portuguese champions rather than Real Madrid or Bayern Munich.
Tottenham weren’t so lucky however, with Mauricio Pochettino’s men being paired with the back-to-back European champions Real Madrid.
Spurs struggled to do themselves justice in last season’s competition, being beaten at Wembley by both Monaco and Bayer Leverkusen as they failed to qualify for the knockout stages.
Now they face Zinedine Zidane’s awesome side, as well as Borussia Dortmund, the 2013 finalists. APOEL complete group G.
Celtic suffered a similarly difficult draw, which will put a dampener on Brendan Rodgers’ hopes that the Scottish champions are ready to claim a spot in the knockout phase.
The Bhoys, who defeated Astana 8-4 on aggregate to land a spot in the group stage, have been handed nightmare trips to Munich and Paris, where Robert Lewandowski, Neymar and two of the tournament favourites, Bayern and PSG lay in wait.
Ronaldo and Martens win players of the year awards
More awards next, as UEFA dish out their player of the year awards.
Lieke Martens lands the women’s player of the year award and Cristiano Ronaldo takes the men’s gong.
As expected...
Tough group for Spurs
Ouch, Spurs don’t have it easy.
Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund will provide top tier opposition for Pochettino’s men, with APOEL joining from pot four.
Tottenham will need to up their performances from last season...
Group H: Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Tottenham, APOEL
Man City handed awkward draw
Manchester City have a gritty group, but should be expected to go through.
A trip to Ukraine is never easy, while Napoli will be feisty, as will Dutch side Feyenoord.
Group F: Shakhtar Donetsk, Manchester City, Napoli, Feyenoord
Liverpool's draw in full
Not the worst draw for Jurgen Klopp’s men, considering who they could have face.
A trip to Moscow to face Spartak is on the cards, while Sevilla will be a tricky test. Maribor should be easy enough to negotiate for the Reds.
Group E: Spartak Moscow, Sevilla, Liverpool, Maribor
Chelsea handed tricky draw
Chelsea have been handed a tricky draw.
Atletico Madrid more than know their way around the tournament under Diego Simeone and Roma are a tricky third seed to face.
A trip to Qarabag in Azerbaijan is not what Antonio Conte will have wanted for his stretched squad.
Group C: Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, Roma, Qarabag
Manchester United's draw in full
Manchester United will be pleased with that draw.
Jose Mourinho’s men have been drawn with Benfica, Basel and CSKA Moscow as they’ve managed to avoid the some of the bigger guns.
The trip to Moscow is far from ideal from a logistics point of view, but these are all winnable ties.
Group A: Benfica, Manchester United, Basel, CSKA Moscow
The complete draw in full
Home straight now, as the teams from pot four are added into the mix.
And we now have our full draw:
Group A: Benfica, Manchester United, Basel, CSKA Moscow
Group B: Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Anderlecht, Celtic
Group C: Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, Roma, Qarabag
Group D: Juventus, Barcelona, Olympiakos, Sporting
Group E: Spartak Moscow, Sevilla, Liverpool, Maribor
Group F: Shakhtar Donetsk, Manchester City, Napoli, Feyenoord
Group G: Monaco, Porto, Besiktas, RB Leipzig
Group H: Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Tottenham, APOEL
Ronaldo named forward of the year
It’s all getting very interesting.
Chelsea have got Roma now, while Spurs have been dumped in with Real Madrid and Dortmund.
Liverpool’s have dodged a few bullets in landing Sportak and Sevilla, while Manchester United will be expected to stroll though that group.
Oh, and Ronaldo has won the forward of the season award in one of the least surprising developments of the decade.
Right pot four time...
Pot 3 drawn - United get Basel, Liverpool in with Spartak and Sevilla, Spurs get Real
Here comes pot three. Pay attention Liverpool and Spurs fans...
Group A: Benfica, Manchester United, Basel
Group B: Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Anderlecht
Group C: Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, Roma
Group D: Juventus, Barcelona, Olympiakos
Group E: Spartak Moscow, Sevilla, Liverpool
Group F: Shakhtar Donetsk, Manchester City, Napoli
Group G: Monaco, Porto, Besiktas
Group H: Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Tottenham
Modric wins midfielder of the year award
Another award time... and it’s Luka Modric as Champions League midfielder of the season (montage five).
Again, can’t really grumble there.
Meanwhile, some good looking groups emerging.
Chelsea vs Atletico has the Diego Costa x-factor, while Bayern vs PSG, Juventus vs Barcelona and Real Madrid vs Dortmund will all be decent affairs.
Manchester United will feel they’ve dodged a bullet by landing Benfica, with City facing a trip to Donetsk.
Pot 2 drawn - Chelsea face Atletico, United get Benfica, City vs Shakhtar
So here comes pot two, where the Manchester clubs come into action...
Group A: Benfica, Manchester United
Group B: Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain
Group C: Chelsea, Atletico Madrid
Group D: Juventus, Barcelona
Group E: Spartak Moscow, Sevilla
Group F: Shakhtar Donetsk, Manchester City
Group G: Monaco, Porto
Group H: Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund
Ramos wins defender of the year
Now that Pot 1 has been drawn, it’s time for another award.
This montage (number four) tells me that Sergio Ramos has been handed the Champions League defender of the season gong.
Once he’s finished this speech, we’ll crack on with pot two.
Pot 1 teams drawn
Buckle up as we’re about to get going.
Here’s where the top seeds will be playing....
Group A: Benfica
Group B: Bayern Munich
Group C: Chelsea
Group D: Juventus
Group E: Spartak Moscow
Group F: Shakhtar Donetsk
Group G: Monaco
Group H: Real Madrid
We may start soon...
We’re in danger of starting soon.
Up come a couple more UEFA suits, to do some explaining about the process.
It’s fairly dry and the gist of it can be found in this tweet:
Buffon wins goalkeeper of the year
Another montage! Number three.
This time for Champions League goalkeeper of the season, which goes to Gianluigi Buffon.
No complaints here, as they Italian stopper was superb during Juventus’ run to the final last season.
Here comes Shevchenko
Totti is joined by another Serie A legend, as Andriy Shevchenko takes to the stage, as he’ll be helping to do the draw.
But before we see any balls drawn, time for another award....
Totti handed the President's Award
First things first, an award.
On comes a UEFA suit, to hand out the UEFA President’s Award.
And it means we get another montage. Number two.
But this is a Francesco Totti montage, so that’s fine by me as I’d happily watch those all day.
The recently-retired Roma legend has been honoured with a gong and he’ll now help with the draw.
Almost ready...
The Champions League theme tune has piped up on my television (yes, dear reader, I’ve not been flown out to Monaco) and it looks like we’re almost ready to roll.
And we kick off with a montage. If I know my UEFA draw, this will be the first of many, I’d dare say.
As soon as my pavlovian desire for a pint of Gazprom wanes, we should see some teams drawn out...
Celtic's possible opponents
North of the border next, as Celtic sit in pot four.
If I was a maths genius I’d be able to tell you the exact probability of them facing an English club in the group stage, but instead I’ll just say that they are ‘reasonable’.
Pot one: Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Juventus, Benfica, Chelsea, Shakhtar Donetsk, Monaco, Spartak Moscow
Pot two: Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, PSG, Borussia Dortmund, Sevilla, Manchester City, Porto, Manchester United
Pot three: Napoli, Tottenham, Basel, Olympiakos, Anderlecht, Liverpool, Roma, Besiktas