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A 'rebel' Champions League
Sheriff Tiraspol, from a country that 'does not exist' to the Champions League
The 2021/22 Champions League raises the curtain and the groups of the first phase of the competition are already known. The draw was held this Thursday in Istanbul and has brought mixed luck for the Spanish. Barcelona has been framed in a complicated group, in which they will face again with Bayern, with whom they have not crossed since 2-8 two years ago. Villarreal also has a tough reunion, in his case against Manchester United, whom he defeated in the Europa League final. Atlético is the least lucky of all and has been framed alongside Liverpool, Porto and Milan, all European champions.
More fortune have been Real Madrid and Sevilla, who avoid the majority of heavyweights. The whites will face two old acquaintances and a rookie. Inter and Shakhtar were already their rivals in the group stage last year, and they are joined by the surprising Sheriff, who makes his Champions League debut. Lopetegui's men will face Lille, Salzburg and Wolfsburg, all teams of an affordable level for what they could have played. The group of death will be A, with Manchester City, PSG, Leipzig and Bruges. The draw for the Europa League will be held this Friday at 1:00 p.m., in which Real Sociedad and Betis will be.
UEFA awards have also been awarded for best manager, best player by position and best footballer of the year.
Mendy has been named best goalkeeper, Rúben Dias best defender, Kanté best midfielder and Haaland best forward.
In the female category, all the awards have been for Barcelona players, Sandra Paños best goalkeeper, Irene Paredes best defender, Alexia Putellas best midfielder and Jenni Hermoso best forward.
The coach of the year award went to the champions, Tüchel and Lluis Cortés.
The best player of the year has been Jorginho and the best player Alexia Putellas.
This is the group stage of the Champions League 2021/22:
Group A:
Manchester City - PSG - Leipzig - Bruges
Group B:
Atlético de Madrid - Liverpool - Porto - Milan
Group C:
Sporting de Portugal - Borussia Dortmund - Ajax - Besiktas
Group D:
Inter - Real Madrid - Shakhtar Donetsk - Sheriff
Group E:
Bayern Munich - Barcelona - Benfica - Dynamo Kiev
Group F:
Villarreal - Manchester United - Atalanta - Young Boys
Group G:
Lille - Seville - Salzburg - Wolfsburg
Group H:
Chelsea - Juventus - Zenit –Malmo
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