The draw for the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League has concluded, with the new format presenting different challenges and opportunities. Below is Goal.com’s analysis of the winners and losers from this draw:
Winner: Kane
Reason: Bayern Munich strengthened their squad during the transfer window, and as a key player, Harry Kane is expected to score many goals in the group stage. Despite facing strong opponents like Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona, the remaining opponents are relatively weaker, allowing Kane to score a large number of goals against teams such as Dinamo Zagreb, Benfica, Feyenoord, and Slovan Bratislava.
Winner: Celtic
Reason: Celtic avoided most top teams in the draw. Although RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund are formidable opponents, Club Brugge and Aston Villa are also noteworthy, but Celtic has the strength to compete for a playoff spot, especially considering they will face teams like Young Boys and Slovan Bratislava.
Winner: Arsenal
Reason: Arsenal’s performance last season was disappointing, but in this year’s draw, they face many relatively easy opponents such as Shakhtar Donetsk, Dinamo Zagreb, Sporting Lisbon, Monaco, and Girona, which presents them with a favorable situation.
Loser: Paris Saint-Germain
Reason: Paris Saint-Germain will encounter strong teams like Manchester City and Bayern Munich in the group stage, with Atletico Madrid and Arsenal also in the same group, along with PSV Eindhoven and Red Bull Salzburg, making their path to advancement more difficult.
Loser: Slot
Reason: As the new coach of Liverpool, Arne Slot faces the undefeated Bayer Leverkusen led by Xavi Alonso, along with Real Madrid, Milan, and PSV Eindhoven in the group stage, presenting a significant challenge to the team. While Liverpool certainly has the strength to defeat all opponents, it seems not easy for Slot to secure direct qualification, especially given the many weaknesses still present in Liverpool’s lineup.
Loser: Fans
Reason: The new format is complex and may confuse fans, while the lengthy drawing process adds to the difficulty of understanding for fans.