Who could Man City face in Champions League group stage draw? Real Madrid among possible opponents
Pep Guardiola’s squad has seen plenty of changes since lifting the trophy in Istanbul a little under three months ago, with older players such as Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan leaving and fresher faces arriving in the form of Jeremy Doku.
Being the top seed – and favourites – does not guarantee an easier draw, though. Perennial winners Real Madrid lie in wait in Pot 2, along with rivals Atletico and former winners Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund.
The likes of AC Milan and Shakhtar Donetsk will prove no pushovers in Pot 3, while Pot 4’s Celtic would prove a fascinating pair of fixtures should they be drawn in the same group as City.
Who could Man City face in the Champions League group stage?
Pot 2: Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, RB Leipzig, Porto
Pot 3: Shakhtar Donetsk, RB Salzburg, AC Milan, Lazio, Red Star Belgrade, Braga, Young Boys*
Pot 4: Union Berlin, Lens, Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, Celtic
When is the Champions League group stage draw?
The draw takes place on Thursday, August 31, 2023 with the ceremony to begin in Monaco at 5pm BST.
