There are just two games remaining in the group stages of the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League and there are plenty of talking points as the knockout stage rears its head. The usual contenders are rising to the fore, while some former heavyweights are running in the mud somewhat, but as the group stages start to reach their boiling point, we decided to take stock, providing you with all you need to know about the story of each group so far.
Group A
Prior to the tournament getting underway, Bayern Munich was the second favorite for glory behind champions Manchester City. Then they added Harry Kane to their already star-studded squad, and the England captain has taken the Bavarians to another level. As such, they currently sit at the top of Group A with four wins from four, and are already through to the last 16 as group winners.
The real story in the group, however, lies with the runner-up spot. Second place in the group is currently occupied by Danish champions FC Copenhagen. They knocked off Manchester United at Parken Stadium, twice coming from behind to seal a 4-3 victory in the 95th minute. Galatasaray is behind them on goal difference. The English outfit is currently a point adrift at the bottom of the group, and with games away in Istanbul and at home to Bayern Munich on the horizon, they may end up eliminated before the new year.
Group B
Arsenal announced their return as major players in European football as they pushed Manchester City all the way in last season’s Premier League title race. The signings of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz have only strengthened them; they currently sit at the top of Group B and are firm favorites to top the group with three wins from their first four games. They did, however, lose away at Lens on match day two, and that result has given the French side hopes of reaching the last 16.
They are in third place, level on points with PSV Eindhoven, who recently defeated them in the Netherlands. Reigning Europa League champions Sevilla are bottom of the group.
Group C
When the group stage draw was made, Group C was one of the more predictable groups. Real Madrid and Napoli were expected to finish first and second, while Braga and Union Berlin would be left to battle it out for the Europa League spot. As of right now, those predictions are on point.
The record 14-time champions have already clinched the top spot, with Jude Bellingham inspiring them to four wins in four games. Napoli meanwhile is in second place, four points clear of Braga, and victory in either of their final two games will see them through to the last 16.
Group D
If Group C was predictable then Group D was anything but. However, it is Spanish side Real Sociedad that has taken the group by storm. They currently top the standings with ten points, ahead of last year’s beaten finalists Inter Milan on goal difference. The Spaniards have to travel to the San Siro on the final matchday, and that matchup may decide the group winners.
Currently, Benfica and RB Salzburg are lagging. The latter are in third place with three points, points they picked up with a 2-0 victory in Lisbon on matchday one. If they avoid defeat to the Portuguese side on the final matchday, they should secure third place.
Group E
Group E is topped by two-time finalists Atletico Madrid, who are on eight points and undefeated. Should they remain that way following their trip to face Feyenoord in Rotterdam on Matchday Five, they should qualify as group winners. Mauricio Sarri’s Lazio are a point adrift in second after defeating the Dutch champions in Rome, courtesy of a solitary Ciro Immobile strike. The Italians host Celtic before heading to Madrid to face Los Rojiblancos, and victory against the rock-bottom Scots should be enough to secure safe passage through to the last 16.
Group F
This year’s resident Group of Death is Group F. It is currently topped by Borussia Dortmund, whose victories home and away against Newcastle have catapulted them to seven points and the top spot. The Geordies meanwhile are dead last on four points, despite thumping PSG on matchday two. They still have to head to Paris and qualification looks difficult.
The Parisians are currently in second place and will fancy their chances at progressing despite losses on the road against both Newcastle and Milan. The Rossoneri dragged themselves back into contention with victory against the French Champions on matchday four, and it’s still all to play for in this one.
AC Milan reached the semifinals last season, but they are currently propping up the others. All is still to play for here, as you’d expect from the group of death, and don’t be surprised to see more twists in the tale before the group stage is over.
Group G
If you’re the betting type, Manchester City might be your favored group. It has been made the +200 favorite by online soccer betting odds providers to retain the trophy they won so impressively in Istanbul back in June, and they were widely expected to run away with this group. That is exactly what they have done thus far, winning all four of their games convincingly. RB Leipzig will follow them to the knockout stages with three wins from four thus far. Young Boys and Red Star Belgrade still have to clash, with a spot in the Europa League on the line.
Group H
Finally, we have Group H, which is currently topped by Barcelona. The Blaugrana have exited the competition at the group stage in each of the last two seasons, but they look set to break that streak this term with three wins from four so far. FC Porto is currently second with three wins from their four games also, while Shakhtar Donetsk’s victory over the Catalonians has dragged them back into contention. They are on six points and a spot in the Europa League is the bare minimum for them.
