Official: Bayern Munich draw Barcelona, Benfica and Dynamo Kyiv in the Champions League group stage

It’s official! Bayern Munich have drawn Barcelona, Benfica, Dynamo Kyiv in the group stage of the Champions League. These three teams will begin Julian Nagelsmann’s road to Istanbul, as the Bavarians look to replicate the success achieved under Hansi Flick in 2020.

After sitting through some painfully slow pre-draw ceremonial shenanigans, Bayern fans were finally relieved of their suspense when the balls were drawn and the team was paired up with several big clubs from across Europe.

The highlight matchup is definitely the one against Barcelona. Even though they’ve lost Leo Messi, the Catalans are still a strong team with the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele. They can hurt Bayern if Nagelsmann isn’t careful — although memories of the 8-2 from last year will be clear in everyone’s minds. Expect a lot of Twitter banter in the next 24 hours.

SL Benfica, meanwhile, are one of the tougher Pot 3 teams Bayern could’ve gotten this draw, but not too bad considering the competition. The truth is that the Champions League has some crazy quality teams this year, so an easy draw was almost impossible anyway. Benfica should definitely give Bayern some good games home and away.

Finally, rounding out the group is Dynamo Kyiv. Not much to say about them.

Overall, it’s a group that Bayern should be able to qualify from with little issue. The top two spots are all you need, but Nagelsmann will be expected to get first place in the group just to prove his managing credentials at Bayern.

As for other Bundesliga clubs, Borussia Dortmund got a really good group while RB Leipzig kinda got screwed. Wolfsburg also got a decent group, but it’s all very iffy. You know how Bundesliga teams can be in Europe. To be honest, it’s looking like only two German teams will be in the Round of 16 this time. Here’s the full draw in all of its glory:

What do you think of this year’s draw? Comment below!