Bavarian Football Works - ICYMI: BFW’s Official UEFA Champions League Preview SeriesManufacturing goals in the German tradition, for domestic consumption and for export.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47275/bavarian-fave.png2018-09-14T14:00:04+02:00http://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/rss/stream/176381732018-09-14T14:00:04+02:002018-09-14T14:00:04+02:00UEFA Champions League Preview & Predictions: Group H winners and losers
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<img alt="Parma Calcio v Juventus - Serie A" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/uYXQFppTSmwu8av01l1VpJiOKLE=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61253957/1030254418.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Cristiano Ronaldo is hoping to take Juventus to new heights this season. Will Manchester United, Young Boys, or Valencia be able to stand in their way?</p> <p id="hYU4QL">The 2018-19 UEFA <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> is upon us, and Bavarian Football Works is here for your preview and predictions. Our writers predicted the finish of the groups.</p>
<p id="Qebh65">Find out who from Group H is advancing to the Knockout Rounds, who is heading to the Europa League, and who is going home between <a href="https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/">Juventus</a>, <a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/">Manchester United</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/valencia">Valencia</a>, and Young Boys.</p>
<h3 id="KPeyAL"><strong>Winners: Juventus</strong></h3>
<p id="TAvCeQ">Juventus made the Cristiano Ronaldo move solely for the Champions League. With Ronaldo, Mario Mandžukić, Paula Dybala, <span>Douglas Costa</span>, and <span>Federico Bernardeschi</span> among others powering the offense and the likes of <span>Emre Can</span> and Miralem Pjanic patrolling the midfield in front of <span>Giorgio Chiellini</span>, <span>Alex Sandro</span>, <span>Leonardo Bonucci</span>, and the rest of the defensive corps, Juve should be among the favorites in the competition. The team has scary potential in this format. The biggest question about The Old Lady is if goalkeeper <span>Wojciech Szczesny</span> can withstand the pressure and hype of a UCL run. </p>
<p id="2O3Bgd"><strong>How did they qualify:</strong> Juventus qualified directly into the Group Stage by winning the 2017-18 Italian Serie A.</p>
<p id="x8LTGm"><em>— Chuck Smith</em></p>
<h3 id="QsMMCL"><strong>Runners-Up: Valencia</strong></h3>
<p id="CSoBFt">Valencia seemed to have found the right formula to challenge La Liga’s old guard last campaign, but sputtered out as <a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a> consolidated their power at the top of the table. After a tumultuous decade, which saw Valencia overcome a debt crisis, lose countless world-class players and managers and stumble in and out of the Champions League, <em>Los Murcielagos </em>have regained stability through intelligent loan moves and shrewd transfer dealings. The purchase of both Goncalo Guedes and <span>Geoffrey Kondogbia</span> who were key figures in on loan last season, as well as the addition of Kevin Gameiro and former <a href="https://www.fearthewall.com/">Borussia Dortmund</a> loanee Michy Batshuayi on loan, put the cherry on top of a talented and relatively deep squad. Although Valencia have the talent to advance, their fate will likely come down to the form of Manchester United. Jose Mourinho’s team has not had the smoothest start to the season and speculation surrounding his future has began to become a distraction. Their loss may be Valencia’s gain. </p>
<p id="BxMfPF"><strong>How did they qualify:</strong> Valencia qualified directly into the Group Stage by finishing in fourth place in the 2017-18 Spanish La Liga. </p>
<p id="SbD7qz">— <em>Ben Erwin</em></p>
<h3 id="jeW3sz"><strong>Europa League: Manchester United</strong></h3>
<p id="ksKXAP">Manchester United is going through some inner-turmoil (surprise!) under Jose Mourinho, but the Red Devils are undeniable talented. With world class players in the midfield and on the attack, Manchester United will be a formidable opponent for both Juventus and Valencia if it can hold itself together internally. <span>Paul Pogba</span>, Marcus Rashford, Alexis Sanchez, and <span>Romelu Lukaku</span> are just a few of the marquee names who will be looking to make a UCL impact. The bigger question is whether the Luke Shaw-led defensive group can be sturdy enough to push the Red Devils past Valencia in hopes of securing second place in the group. Juventus may not be a realistic victim for Manchester United unless the Red Devils are at the top of their game. </p>
<p id="qhWvJ6"><strong>How did they qualify:</strong> Manchester United qualified directly into the Group Stage by finishing in second place in the 2017-18 English Premier League.</p>
<p id="r6RgkA"><em>— Chuck Smith</em></p>
<h3 id="Uf1pOI"><strong>Eliminated: Young Boys</strong></h3>
<p id="j4nciG">Switzerland’s Young Boys have one of the toughest draws in the entire field as it is group with three top-notch clubs. Nevertheless, Guillaume Hoarau and Christian Fassnacht will present a formidable challenge as offensive threats for Young Boys, while veteran midfielder Miralem Sulejmani will seek to provide a stable presence in the midfield. Young Boys have a mix of veteras and youth within their defensive corps that will surely be put to the test. Steve von Bergen, Gregory Wüthrich, Kevin Mbabu, and Loris Benito will be among the defenders tasked with attempting to slow down the squads in the group. It won’t be easy for the Swiss club. </p>
<p id="UTDsa7"><strong>How did they qualify:</strong> Young Boys qualified directly into the Playoff Round by winning the 2017-18 Swiss Super League, and they beat Dinamo Zagreb 3-2 on aggregate to advance to the Group Stage.</p>
<p id="GuAv9F"><em>— Chuck Smith</em></p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2018/9/14/17815526/uefa-champions-league-2018-draw-preview-predictions-group-h-juventus-valencia-manchester-united-boysPhillip QuinnCSmith1919Berni152018-09-13T14:00:01+02:002018-09-13T14:00:01+02:00UEFA Champions League Preview & Predictions: Group G winners and losers
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<img alt="Real Madrid CF v CD Leganes - La Liga" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/l2utOQmBUWL0KvXOx3TfPtnouu4=/40x0:3000x1973/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61377515/1025974144.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Real Madrid have won the last three UEFA Champions Leagues. They shouldn’t have too much trouble with Roma, CSKA Moscow and Viktoria Plzen.</p> <p id="Mr3M8q">The 2018-19 UEFA <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> is upon us, and Bavarian Football Works is here for your preview and predictions. Our writers predicted the finish of the groups.</p>
<p id="Qebh65">Find out who from Group G is advancing to the Knockout Rounds, who is heading to the Europa League, and who is going home between CSKA Moscow, <a href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/">Real Madrid</a>, Roma, and Viktoria Plzen.</p>
<h3 id="KPeyAL"><strong>Winners: Real Madrid</strong></h3>
<p id="TAvCeQ">Now that <span>Zinedine Zidane</span> has moved on, Real Madrid face the prospect of a new season in the Champions League under a new and relatively untested coach. Julen Lopetegui has only coached 16 games in the Champions League, and made it as far as the quarter finals once — when <span>Pep Guardiola</span>’s <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/">Bayern Munich</a> smashed his Porto team 6-0. However, this time he has the might of the defending European champions at his disposal, and expect him to top the group with relative ease. Roma should give Real Madrid some trouble, but even so, they are easy favorites to top the group</p>
<p id="2O3Bgd"><strong>How did they qualify:</strong> Real Madrid qualified directly into the Group Stage by winning the 2017-18 UEFA Champions League and finishing in third place in the 2017-18 Spanish La Liga.</p>
<p id="ETgGQx"><em>— Ineednoname </em></p>
<h3 id="QsMMCL"><strong>Runners-Up: Roma</strong></h3>
<p id="CSoBFt">There absolutely no reason why AS Roma and Real Madrid shouldn’t be the two teams to progress from this group. Roma just missed out on the place in the final last year, losing 7-6 on aggregate to <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> in the semi-finals. Their league form in Serie A has started off a bit shaky as they went on to draw Atalanta and lose to AC Milan after beating Torino on the opening match day. Regardless, Roma should that they can compete with the best teams in Europe during their Champions League run last season, especially with their heroics against <a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a> at the Stadio Olimpico. If Eusebio Di Franceso can get his tactics right for each respective group stage match, they could have a real shot at winning the group, topping the odds-on favorites, Real Madrid; they may be flying in La Liga right now, but let’s be honest, they <em>are</em> a different team in the big moments without Cristiano Ronaldo. </p>
<p id="i8yzxE"><strong>How did they qualify:</strong> Roma qualified directly into the Group Stage by finishing in third place in the 2017-18 Italian Serie A.</p>
<p id="6PTm4B">— <em>Tom Adams</em> </p>
<h3 id="jeW3sz"><strong>Europa League: CSKA Moscow</strong></h3>
<p id="ksKXAP">The <em>Koni </em>will have their work cut out for them in this group. With Real Madrid and AS Roma as heavy favorites, CSKA Moscow will need explosive efforts from the likes of 20-year olds Fedor Chalov (forward) and Kristijan Bistrovic (midfielder). The young, but dynamic, duo will get a true baptism by fire in this group. CSKA Moscow defenders Mário Fernandes, Nikita Chernov, Hördur Magnússon, and Rodrigo Becão will be tested frequently as well, while 28-year old Abel Hernández will look to provide a veteran presence offensively. In another group, CSKA Moscow might have an opportunity to move on, but in Group G the chances are not great.</p>
<p id="qhWvJ6"><strong>How did they qualify:</strong> CSKA Moscow qualified directly into the Group Stage by finishing in second place in the 2017-18 Russian Premier League.</p>
<p id="gXSeFO"><em>— Chuck Smith</em></p>
<h3 id="Uf1pOI"><strong>Eliminated: Viktoria Plzen</strong></h3>
<p id="j4nciG">Plzen started the 2018-19 Czech First League on absolute fire with six wins out of six. Then, in the final match before the international break in a trip to Sparta Prague, Plzen was on the wrong end of a 6-1 whipping. Whoa boy. That’s not a good way to start your two week break. It’s difficult to see Plzen getting more than a couple of points at mosst from this group. They’ll have to close their eyes with a hope and prayer of sneaking into the Europa League.</p>
<p id="UTDsa7"><strong>How did they qualify:</strong> Viktoria Plzen qualified directly into the Group Stage by winning the 2017-18 Czech First League.</p>
<p id="tVGvXr"><em>— Phillip Quinn</em></p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2018/9/13/17815452/uefa-champions-league-2018-draw-preview-predictions-group-g-real-madrid-roma-cska-viktoria-plzenPhillip QuinnCSmith1919TomAdams71Ineednoname2018-09-12T14:00:04+02:002018-09-12T14:00:04+02:00UEFA Champions League Preview & Predictions: Group F winners and losers
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<img alt="Manchester City v Newcastle United - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/w5ehG2DASx8_8tqoMYfmQtLutqg=/0x0:4711x3141/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61270279/1026146428.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Manchester City are clear favorites to walk away as victors of Group F but will Lyon, Hoffenheim, or Shakhtar Donetsk be joining them in the Knockout Rounds?</p> <p id="iQEl7s">The 2018-19 UEFA <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> is upon us, and Bavarian Football Works is here for your preview and predictions. Our writers predicted the finish of the groups.</p>
<p id="Qebh65">Find out who from Group F is advancing to the Knockout Rounds, who is heading to the Europa League, and who is going home between <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/bundesliga/teams/hoffenheim">Hoffenheim</a>, Lyon, <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/">Manchester City</a>, and Shakhtar Donetsk.</p>
<h3 id="KPeyAL"><strong>Winners: Manchester City</strong></h3>
<p id="TAvCeQ">Despite a disappointing end to their Champions League campaign that saw them exit the competition at the hands of their domestic rivals and finalist, <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a>, City are one of the favorites to win the competition. With quality and depth all over the park, losing <span>Kevin De Bruyne</span> for the group stage is shockingly manageable for the “cityzens” who have Bernardo Silva and <span>Riyad Mahrez</span> to pick up the slack. Leroy Sane, <span>Raheem Sterling</span>, Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus will lead the line and it is less a question of who will get the goals, but how many each of these world class talents will bag with service from the most expensive fullbacks in soccer. </p>
<p id="ZEcX8B">Manchester City have the best manager in the world at the helm in <span>Pep Guardiola</span> whose team not only understands his style, but has perfected it. Although Pep’s <em>bona fides </em>are undeniable, he may be the only thing standing in the way of Champions League glory for the noisy neighbors. As many <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/">Bayern Munich</a> fans can recall, Pep has the tendency to get in his own way in big matches, tinkering with the lineup or formation and abandoning what got his team on the verge of the final. Just last year Guardiola employed a formation to cope with Liverpool’s potent attack that went horribly wrong. If the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager can find (and stick with) a winning formula, City will be a tough out. </p>
<p id="Qnf3uS"><strong>How did they qualify:</strong> Manchester City qualified directly into the Group Stage by winning the 2017-18 English Premier League.</p>
<p id="wQ1qhq"><em>— Ben Erwin</em></p>
<h3 id="QsMMCL"><strong>Runners-Up: Lyon</strong></h3>
<p id="CSoBFt">Lyon are a team who are consistently poached in the transfer market yet continue to reload and remain competitive. Losing the likes of Corentin Tolisso, Alexandre Lacazette and, most recently, Mariano Diaz could prove catastrophic for most clubs, but they continue to find a way. What makes them especially dangerous this year is the degree of continuity the French-club have had this off-season. Despite losing the aforementioned Mariano to Real Madrid, Lyon have been able to keep hold of a solid core consisting of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/245237/memphis-depay">Memphis Depay</a>, Bertrand Traore, Nabil Fekir, Lucas Tousart, and Tanguy Ndombele. The midfield and attack are loaded with young and exciting players with the only glaring questions coming in the defense. The play of Portuguese goalkeeper Anthony Lopes along with the ability of new-signing Moussa Dembele to lead the line in place of Mariano will be two deciding factors in Lyon’s ability to make a run in the knockout rounds of the competition.</p>
<p id="4hfhdu"><strong>How did they qualify:</strong> Lyon qualified directly into the Group Stage by finishing in third place in the 2017-18 French Ligue 1. </p>
<p id="3ilQNK">— <em>Ben Erwin</em></p>
<h3 id="jeW3sz"><strong>Europa League: Hoffenheim</strong></h3>
<p id="ksKXAP">Julian Nagelsmann is tasked with leading Hoffenheim into a very difficult group. To secure a trip to the the next round, Hoffenheim will likely to look to muck each game up and look to capitalize on the scoring ability of Andrej Kramaric and Adam Szalai, while Florian Grillitsch will look to provide defensive stability from the midfield in front of Kevin Vogt and Pavel Kaderabek. In addition, goalkeeper Oliver Baumann will likely be put to the test by each of Group F teams regardless of how well the defense plays in front of him. It won’t be easy for <em>Die Kraichgauer</em>.</p>
<p id="qhWvJ6"><strong>How did they qualify:</strong> Hoffenheim qualified directly into the Group Stage by finishing in third place in the 2017-18 German Bundesliga.</p>
<p id="Hmr5dt"><em>— Chuck Smith</em></p>
<h3 id="Uf1pOI"><strong>Eliminated: Shakhtar Donetsk</strong></h3>
<p id="j4nciG">It was another summer of massive turnover for the Ukrainian club that gave us <span>Douglas Costa</span> once upon a time. This summer, Shakhtar’s transfer coup was Brazilian central midfielder Fred, whom the Ukrainians sold to <a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/">Manchester United</a> for all of €59 million. The new crop of young Brazilians is as promising and interesting as ever: central midfielder Maycon (20) and wingers Fernando (19) and Marquinhos Cipriano (19) are the raw youngsters to watch, but for now Shakhtar has plenty of Brazilian and Ukrainian veterans to fill its ranks. The club is already on top of the Ukrainian Premier League, but they will not truly be tested until the Champions League.</p>
<p id="UTDsa7"><strong>How did they qualify:</strong> Shakhtar Donetsk qualified directly into the Group Stage by winning the 2017-18 Ukrainian Premier League.</p>
<p id="saKWj0">— <em>John Dillon</em></p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2018/9/12/17815358/uefa-champions-league-2018-draw-preview-predictions-group-f-manchester-city-lyon-hoffenheim-shakhtarPhillip QuinnCSmith1919Berni15John Dillon2018-09-11T14:00:02+02:002018-09-11T14:00:02+02:00UEFA Champions League Preview & Predictions: Group E winners and losers
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<img alt="Real Madrid CF v FC Bayern Muenchen - UEFA Champions League Quarter Final: Second Leg" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hJwZNhnfSgvhaG1RezbujoXTfKo=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61271279/670523982.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Bayern Munich are the clear favorites to advance from Group E but who will join them in the Knockout Rounds? Will Benfica, Ajax, or AEK Athens make the jump?</p> <p id="Sevci1">The 2018-19 UEFA <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> is upon us, and Bavarian Football Works is here for your preview and predictions. Our writers predicted the finish of the groups.</p>
<p id="Qebh65">Find out who from Group E is advancing to the Knockout Rounds, who is heading to the Europa League, and who is going home between AEK Athens, Ajax, <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/">Bayern Munich</a>, and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/portuguese-first-division/teams/benfica">Benfica</a>.</p>
<h3 id="KPeyAL"><strong>Winners: Bayern Munich</strong></h3>
<p id="TAvCeQ">Depending on your perspective, Bayern Munich either got really unlucky or won the lottery with this draw. While it’s still the Champions League, the Bavarians missed out on all the heavyweights of the competition, making them clear favorites to top their group. In fact, considering their pedigree, the German champions will be expected to come first with a flawless win record — anything less than that, and expect the media’s attack dogs to descend on Niko Kovac. The trickiest fixture comes first — on matchday 1, Bayern travel to Lisbon to face Benfica on their own turf. If Kovac can successfully navigate this fixture, then the rest of the group stage should be a formality. </p>
<p id="2O3Bgd"><strong>How did they qualify:</strong> Bayern Munich qualified directly into the Group Stage by winning the 2017-18 German Bundesliga.</p>
<p id="DyTljD"><em>— Ineednoname</em></p>
<h3 id="QsMMCL"><strong>Runners-Up: Benfica</strong></h3>
<p id="CSoBFt">Benfica will be the favorites to follow Bayern Munich out of this group and into the knockout rounds. They’ve started the Portuguese Premeira Liga with three wins and a draw out of four games, but so have Sporting and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/portuguese-first-division/teams/braga">Braga</a>. Then, there are three more teams behind them with 9 points each. It’ll be interesting to see if the league remains competitive and deep all season long and how that affects Benfica and Porto in the Champions League. As for the summer <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/transfer-rumors">transfer window</a>,, Benfica was as busy as they always are during the summer transfer window, bringing in talented players like Facunda Ferreyra and Nicolas Castillo. They open with Bayern, but the return leg isn’t until Matchday 5. That gives them three matches in a row against Ajax and AEK Athens. If they grab at least seven points in those three matches, they will have nearly guaranteed themselves their knockout round spot.</p>
<p id="i8yzxE"><strong>How did they qualify:</strong> Benfica qualified directly into the Third Qualifying Round by finishing in second place in the 2017-18 Portuguese Premeira Liga. They beat 2017-18 Turkish Super Lig second place finisher Fenerbahce 2-1 on aggregate in the Third Qualifying Round, and 2017-18 Superleague <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/greece">Greece</a> second place finisher PAOK 5-2 in the Playoff Round to advance to the Group Stage. </p>
<p id="5MtThg"><em>— Phillip Quinn</em></p>
<h3 id="jeW3sz"><strong>Europa League: Ajax</strong></h3>
<p id="ksKXAP">The Dutch powerhouse did not catch much luck in being grouped with Bayern and Benfica, but <em>de Godenzonen </em>could present some interesting match-ups against either of those squads and has some extremely good, young talent on its roster. 19-year old Matthijs de Ligt is the key player to watch for Ajax as the youngster is considered one of the brightest defensive starlets in the world. Rumored FC Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur target Frenkie de Jong is a 20-year old midfielder, who also is worth watching compete. Ajax, however, will likely have its hands full in creating offense in this group and will need other to step up and support 35-year old forward Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and 21-year old winger David Neres. </p>
<p id="qhWvJ6"><strong>How did they qualify:</strong> Ajax qualified directly into the Second Qualifying Round by finishing in second place in the 2017-18 Dutch Eredivisie. They beat 2017-18 Austrian Football Bundesliga second place finisher Sturm Graz 5-1 on aggregate in the Second Qualifying Round, 2017–18 Belgian First Division A second place finisher Standard Liege 5-2 on aggregate in the Third Qualifying Round, and 2017–18 Ukrainian Premier League second place finisher Dynamo Kiev 3-1 in the Playoff Round to advance to the Group Stage.</p>
<p id="t6wrM6"><em>— Chuck Smith</em></p>
<h3 id="Uf1pOI"><strong>Eliminated: AEK Athens</strong></h3>
<p id="j4nciG">The good news for AEK Athens is that they avoid Bayern Munich for their first two matches in Group E. The bad news for Athens is that games three and four are against Bayern. It’s very possible that they will enter Matchday 5 with anywhere from 0-3 points with no realistic shot at advancing. We’re at the point in the Champions League life cycle where nations that used to sneak teams into the knockout rounds really don’t have a shot any longer. This could be an ugly group stage campaign for Athens.</p>
<p id="UTDsa7"><strong>How did they qualify:</strong> AEK Athens qualified directly into the Third Qualifying Round by winning the 2017-18 Superleague Greece. They beat 2017-18 Scottish Premiership champion Celtic 3-2 on aggregate in the Third Qualifying Round, and 2017-18 Hungarian 2017–18 Nemzeti Bajnokság I champion MOL Vidi 3-2 in the Playoff Round to advance to the Group Stage.</p>
<p id="5DH8Cn"><em>— Phillip Quinn</em></p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2018/9/11/17815242/uefa-champions-league-2018-draw-preview-predictions-group-e-bayern-munich-benfica-ajax-aek-athensPhillip QuinnCSmith1919Ineednoname2018-09-10T14:00:02+02:002018-09-10T14:00:02+02:00UEFA Champions League Preview & Predictions: Group D winners and losers
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<img alt="FC Porto v Desportivo das Aves - Portuguese Super Cup" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4WxhMMBvMDGquBJTis-FNBhrXb4=/0x0:3543x2362/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61254709/1011117842.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>In a wide open group where anyone can advance, will the Bundesliga side find their way into the Knockout Rounds?</p> <p id="4aPbng">The 2018-19 UEFA <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> is upon us, and Bavarian Football Works is here for your preview and predictions. Our writers predicted the finish of the groups.</p>
<p id="Qebh65">Find out who from Group D is advancing to the Knockout Rounds, who is heading to the Europa League, and who is going home between Galatasaray, Lokomotiv Moscow, Porto Schalke.</p>
<h3 id="KPeyAL"><strong>Winners: Porto</strong></h3>
<p id="TAvCeQ">Porto’s summer went about how you would expect a <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/transfer-rumors">transfer window</a> to go for Porto. They sold several players for tens of millions of euros and brought in a lot of players for a fraction of that. Porto will count themselves a bit lucky that they’re in a group without any of the European elite. While it won’t be a cakewalk, they should win the group with relative ease. If they can get Moussa Marega and Vincent Aboubakar going in scoring goals, they could run away with the group. In recent years, we’ve seen Porto advance as far as the Quarterfinals of this competition. Can they find that magic again?</p>
<p id="2O3Bgd"><strong>How did they qualify:</strong> Porto qualified directly into the Group Stage by winning the 2017-18 Portuguese Primeira Liga.</p>
<p id="MgxK1o"><em>— Phillip Quinn</em></p>
<h3 id="QsMMCL"><strong>Runners-Up: Schalke</strong></h3>
<p id="CSoBFt">With an awful start in the Bundesliga, <em>Die Königsblauen</em> is reeling a bit. Schalke however, was granted a tremendous opportunity with its placement in Group D to be in a position to advance if it can right its ship. The pressure will be on Domenico Tedesco to solve whatever issues are going on internally and the 32-year old coach will have to rely on veterans like Naldo, Salif Sane, Sebastian Rudy, and Daniel Caligiuri to stabilize the defense and midfield, but Schalke’s primary issue is its offense. If Tedesco cannot find a way to get Mark Uth, Guido Burgstaller, or Breel Embolo on track, this could be a quick exit for the squad. Keep an eye on USMNT hopeful Weston McKennie as he should be included in some variation of Tedesco’s lineup over the course of the competition. </p>
<p id="i8yzxE"><strong>How did they qualify:</strong> Schalke qualified directly into the Group Stage by finishing in second place in the 2017-18 German Bundesliga.</p>
<p id="uPhpEK"><em>— Chuck Smith</em></p>
<h3 id="jeW3sz"><strong>Europa League: Galatasaray</strong></h3>
<p id="ksKXAP">The last decade has seen Turkish teams fall from “European giants fear road trips there in the Champions league” to “they’re definitely in the competition this year”. It’s likely that Galatasaray is going to have their hands full with Lokomotiv Moscow to snag the spot that lets them drop into the Europa League. Galatasaray’s start to the season in the Turkish Super Lig has been great with three wins out of three. Their first group stage game in the Champions League is a massive one. With Lokomotiv going to Istanbul, if Galatasaray can’t take all three points, it could be a long group stage for them.</p>
<p id="qhWvJ6"><strong>How did they qualify:</strong> Galatasaray qualified directly into the Group Stage by finishing in first place in the 2017-18 Turkish Super Lig.</p>
<p id="CknRIm"><em>— Phillip Quinn</em></p>
<h3 id="Uf1pOI"><strong>Eliminated: Lokomotiv Moscow</strong></h3>
<p id="j4nciG">Lokomotiv Moscow has a familiar name in former <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/bundesliga/teams/schalke-04">Schalke 04</a> man, Benedikt Höwedes, who will get a chance to suit up against his former squad. Given the relatively weak group, these teams could end up in any order, which would be fine with Lokomotiv Moscow, who will simply be looking to do anything to try and advance. Fedor Smolov will provide the attack, while Grzegorz Krychowiak and Anton Miranchuk will look to assert themselves in the midfield for the Russian side.</p>
<p id="UTDsa7"><strong>How did they qualify:</strong> Lokomotiv Moscow qualified directly into the Group Stage by finishing in first place in the 2017-18 Russian Premier League.</p>
<p id="tQE5Hl"><em>- Chuck Smith</em></p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2018/9/10/17815122/uefa-champions-league-2018-draw-preview-predictions-group-d-porto-schalke-lokomotiv-galatasarayPhillip QuinnCSmith19192018-09-09T14:00:02+02:002018-09-09T14:00:02+02:00UEFA Champions League Preview & Predictions: Group C winners and losers
<figure>
<img alt="Paris Saint-Germain v Celtic FC - UEFA Champions League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oA-2xn8wauibikO4SzfjkJ1ReCQ=/0x0:4949x3299/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61228861/877867476.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>PSG and Liverpool will be overwhelming favorites to come out of Group C. Can Napoli spring an upset?</p> <p id="Jbv5ho">The 2018-19 UEFA <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> is upon us, and Bavarian Football Works is here for your preview and predictions. Our writers predicted the finish of the groups.</p>
<p id="lAcgcH">Find out who from Group C is advancing to the Knockout Rounds, who is heading to the Europa League, and who is going home between <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a>, <a href="https://www.thesirenssong.com/">Napoli</a>, Paris Saint-Germain, Red Star Belgrade.</p>
<h3 id="KPeyAL"><strong>Winners: Paris Saint-Germain</strong></h3>
<p id="TAvCeQ">PSG should be among the favorites in the Champions League with its ultra-explosive offensive core group of Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, and Edinson Cavani. Frankly there aren’t many weaknesses on the team and adding the experience of <span>Gianluigi Buffon</span> could be a tremendous boost as this competition advances and gives Thomas Tuchel two very good options at goalkeeper with Alphonse Areola. The deeper PSG goes, however, the more important the likes of Dani Alves, Adrien Rabiot, and Angel DiMaria will be to the squad’s effort. Expect PSG and Liverpool to be a offensive slugfest when the squads meet up during group play. </p>
<p id="2O3Bgd"><strong>How did they qualify:</strong> PSG qualified directly into the Group Stage by winning the 2017-18 French Ligue 1.</p>
<p id="fnZQyc"><em>—Chuck Smith</em></p>
<h3 id="QsMMCL"><strong>Runners-Up: Liverpool</strong></h3>
<p id="CSoBFt">Liverpool’s group this time around will be significantly harder to get out of as Napoli, PSG, and Red Star Belgrade boast a stronger opposition than Sevilla, NK Maribor, and Spartak Moscow. The additions of Naby Keits, <span>Xherdan Shaqiri</span>, Fabinho and Alisson Becker during the summer <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/transfer-rumors">transfer window</a> have helped strengthen Liverpool’s depth; something that were quite short of in the latter stages of last season. When Mohamed Salah came off injured in the Champions League final, it completely changed the way Real Madrid went about their business in the match, and the played far more adventurous. Jurgen Klopp only had <span>Adam Lallana</span> and <span>Emre Can</span> to bring off of the bench at that point, albeit a Lallana that was only just back from a lengthy injury layover. Now, Klopp has a bevvy of options, especially in attack, which will give him some flexibility as the Champions League matches start to come thick and fast in between Premier League matches. </p>
<p id="i8yzxE"><strong>How did they qualify:</strong> Liverpool qualified directly into the Group Stage by finishing in fourth place in the 2017-18 English Premier League. They made hard work of it towards the end of the season, having to get a positive result on the final match-day against Brighton and Hove Albion at Anfield. At the time, <a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> were breathing down their necks in the fifth spot, but had only taken a single point from their last two matches against Huddersfield Town and <a href="https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/">Newcastle</a> United, putting Liverpool firmly in the driver’s seat for the fourth spot in the table. For Liverpool, their progression to the Champions League final did take it’s toll on their league form towards the latter stages, but they were able to secure the 4th spot with that convincing 4-0 win over Brighton on Super Sunday.</p>
<p id="aGJsct"><em>— Tom Adams</em></p>
<h3 id="jeW3sz"><strong>Europa League: Napoli</strong></h3>
<p id="ksKXAP">Napoli’s hig pressing, high energy style of play under <span>Maurizio Sarri</span> was quite something to watch, but their style is likely to be a bit different under new manager Carlo Ancelotti. Additionally, their midfield took a hit in the summer transfer window when Sarri brought Jorginho with him to Chelsea, so Allan, Piotr Zielinski, and Marek Hamšík will see the majority of the minutes in the center of the pitch. If there’s any way that Napoli can break down the rest of their opponents in group C, it’s with their quick passing and interplay, looking to spring both <span>Lorenzo Insigne</span> and <span>Dries Mertens</span> forward; both of them are soo good at running on to balls that are played in behind opposition defenses. With their high line and quick pass-and-move style of play, the match-ups against both Liverpool and PSG will be nothing short of savory. Ancelotti also has plenty of experience in the Champions League and knows how to get results in this competition, although we don’t like to elaborate on that as Bayern Munich fans ( <em><strong>sigh</strong></em> that night in Paris <em><strong>sigh</strong></em>).</p>
<p id="qhWvJ6"><strong>How did they qualify:</strong> SSC qualified directly into the Group Stage by finishing in second place in the 2017-18 Italian Serie A. </p>
<p id="J0ngSU"><em>— Tom Adams</em></p>
<h3 id="Uf1pOI"><strong>Eliminated: Red Star Belgrade</strong></h3>
<p id="j4nciG">Red Star is off to a blistering start in the Serbian Superliga with six wins out of six games, but how does that translate over to a really tough Champions League group? Red Star really couldn’t have asked for a worse group than Liverpool, Napoli, and Paris Saint-Germain. They lost their best player from last season Nemanja Radonjic, to Marseille for roughly €12 million. However, they did bring in a name that’s going to be familiar to Bundesliga fans. Former Borussia Mönchengladbach and Werder Bremen midfielder Marko Marin signed at the last second during the transfer window.</p>
<p id="j2UWlr"><strong>How did they qualify:</strong> Red Star Belgrade qualified into the First Qualifying Round by winning the 2017-18 Serbian SuperLiga. They beat 2017 Latvian Higher League champions Spartaks Jurmala 2-0 on aggregate in the First Qualifying Round, 2017 Lithuanian A Lyga champions Suduva Marijampole 5-0 on aggregate in the Second Qualifying Round, 2017-18 Macedonian First Football League champions Shkendija 4-0 on aggregate in the Third Qualifying Round, and 2017-18 Austrian Football Bundesliga champion Red Bull Salzburg 2-2 (away goals) in the Playoff Round to advance to the Group Stage.</p>
<p id="IShHV6"><em>— Phillip Quinn</em></p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2018/9/9/17815014/uefa-champions-league-2018-draw-preview-predictions-group-c-liverpool-napoli-psg-red-star-belgradePhillip QuinnCSmith1919TomAdams712018-09-08T14:00:02+02:002018-09-08T14:00:02+02:00UEFA Champions League Preview & Predictions: Group B winners and losers
<figure>
<img alt="FC Barcelona v Boca Juniors - Joan Gamper Trophy" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Rfoq5VmGi6yY0CSHQeG7pW8LokY=/0x0:3526x2351/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61228011/1017176830.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Can Inter Milan or PSV Eindhoven upset the “easy” prediction that Barcelona and Tottenham will advance out of Group B?</p> <p id="Jbv5ho">The 2018-19 UEFA <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> is upon us, and Bavarian Football Works is here for your preview and predictions. Our writers predicted the finish of the groups.</p>
<p id="lAcgcH">Find out who from Group B is advancing to the Knockout Rounds, who is heading to the Europa League, and who is going home between <a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a>, <a href="https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/">Inter Milan</a>, PSV Eindhoven, and <a href="https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com/">Tottenham Hotspur</a>.</p>
<h3 id="KPeyAL"><strong>Winners: Barcelona</strong></h3>
<p id="TAvCeQ">After an odd season in which the <em>Blaugrauna </em>lost Neymar to PSG, ran away with La Liga and the Copa del Rey, all the while losing a shocker to <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com/">AS Roma</a> in the Champions League Quarter Final, Barcelona looked primed to return to the top of European soccer. The availability of Phillipe Coutinho (cup-tied to <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> last season), in addition to the arrival of Arturo Vidal, Arthur, Clement Lenglet, and Malcom has provided the La Liga champions with a degree of depth they severely lacked last campaign, while also addressing holes in the midfield and defense. Ernesto Valverde’s more pragmatic style coupled with the quality of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Ousmane Dembele, and EVERYONE else on the pitch make the Catalonian club a difficult beast to manage. Quite simply, Barcelona are favorites to bring home the treble. </p>
<p id="LaYCi6"><strong>How did they qualify:</strong> Barcelona qualified directly into the Group Stage by winning the 2017-18 Spanish La Liga.</p>
<p id="TnfmtA"><em>— Ben Erwin</em></p>
<h3 id="QsMMCL"><strong>Runners-Up: Tottenham Hotspur</strong></h3>
<p id="CSoBFt">Champions League draws have not been kind to the London-based club. After finishing atop last season’s group of death including <a href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/">Real Madrid</a>, Borussia Dortmund and Apoel Nicosia, Spurs drew <a href="https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/">Juventus</a> in the first-round of the knockout stages, where they put up a valiant, yet ultimately futile, effort. This season is no different. Despite a lack of depth and summer transfer activity, <span>Mauricio Pochettino</span>’s men are well-drilled and feature a host of big names. The likes of <span>Harry Kane</span>, <span>Christian Eriksen</span>, Dele Alli and Son Hueng-min are elite attacking options, while a defense of <span>Jan Vertonghen</span>, <span>Toby Alderweireld</span> and Hugo Lloris make them a formidable foe. With one of world football’s brightest tactical minds at the helm, they can challenge Barcelona for top of the group. If Tottenham can stay healthy and avoid a “spursy”, look forward to an aggressive pressing-style coupled with a deadly counterattack.</p>
<p id="rWWkfF"><strong>How did they qualify:</strong> Tottenham Hotspur qualified directly into the Group Stage by finishing in third place in the 2017-18 English Premier League.</p>
<p id="OIW4lx"><em>— Ben Erwin</em></p>
<h3 id="jeW3sz"><strong>Europa League: Inter Milan</strong></h3>
<p id="ksKXAP">The sleeping giants of Milan may be a sleeper pick to make a run in this competition. A solid spine as well as a degree of unpredictability make them a team to be feared in the latter stages of the Champions League. Coming out of pot 4, <em>Internazionale</em> was the last team anyone wanted to come up in the draw. With the clinical <span>Mauro Icardi</span> and Lauturo Martinez leading the line and Ivan Perisic, Keita Balde Diao, and Radja Nainnggolan providing the creative spark, Inter have the perfect combination of experience, youth, and quality to terrorize opposition defenders. Miranda, Stefan de Vrij and Milan Skriniar are all world-class center backs who will allow the Italian-challengers to play an open style. If they end up being casualties of this group of death, look for them to challenge for silverware in the Europa League.</p>
<p id="eopn1y"><strong>How did they qualify:</strong> Inter Milan qualified directly into the Group Stage by finishing in fourth place in the 2017-18 Italian Serie A.</p>
<p id="OEWH9h"><em>— Ben Erwin</em></p>
<h3 id="Uf1pOI"><strong>Eliminated: PSV Eindhoven</strong></h3>
<p id="j4nciG">You really have to feel for PSV following this catastrophic draw. Coming out of pot 3 the Dutch-champions would have hoped for a more favorable draw to match their league rivals, Ajax. Alas, that is how the cookie crumbles. Although they have about a 0% chance of advancing to the knockout rounds, the Dutch-giants may be able to sneak into the Europa League. With a squad full of international talent and promising prospects, the quality is there. Hirving “Chucky” Lozano will be critical to any success they have this campaign. As the Mexican winger showed Germany this summer at the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/fifa-world-cup">World Cup</a>, he is deadly on the counter and can be just about unguardable. New manager and former Bayern Munich player Mark van Bommel is looking to replace Eredivisie-winning manager Phillip Cocu, who utilized a posession-based, attacking style. Considering their opposition Van Bommel can count on losing the possession battle. How he sets his team up to hit on the counter will be critical to any success they have in this group.</p>
<p id="b6xLnO"><strong>How did they qualify:</strong> PSV Eindhoven qualified into the Play-off Round by winning the 2017-18 Dutch Eredivisie, and they beat BATE Borisov 6-2 on aggregate to advance to the Group Stage.</p>
<p id="QNw0DI"><em>— Ben Erwin</em></p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2018/9/8/17814900/uefa-champions-league-2018-draw-preview-predictions-group-b-barcelona-tottenham-inter-milan-psvPhillip QuinnBerni152018-09-07T14:00:03+02:002018-09-07T14:00:03+02:00UEFA Champions League Preview & Predictions: Group A winners and losers
<figure>
<img alt="Valencia CF v Club Atletico de Madrid - La Liga" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2wSExutrUNeDQjBUK8K6qwggtYM=/0x0:4500x3000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61227925/1023691452.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Atletico Madrid, Club Brugge, Borussia Dortmund, and AS Monaco will be fighting for survival in Group. Don’t be shocked if it comes down to the final Matchday to find out who advances.</p> <p id="Jbv5ho">The 2018-19 UEFA <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> is upon us, and Bavarian Football Works is here for your preview and predictions. Our writers predicted the finish of the groups.</p>
<p id="lAcgcH">Find out who from Group A is advancing to the Knockout Rounds, who is heading to the Europa League, and who is going home between AS Monaco, Atletico Madrid, <a href="https://www.fearthewall.com/">Borussia Dortmund</a>, and Club Brugge.</p>
<h3 id="KPeyAL"><strong>Winners: Atletico Madrid</strong></h3>
<p id="TAvCeQ">Atleti will be one of the more intriguing squads to watch in the competition. With Antoine Griezmann and Diego Costa powering the offense, Atletico Madrid should have enough firepower to pose a threat to most any team in the competition. With a proven ability to pack itself in on defense and force the opposition to scramble for chances, Atleti could have a decent formula for success. Jan Oblak is not often mentioned when the world’s top goalkeepers are brought up, but he certainly is quality and provides stability between the sticks. </p>
<p id="2O3Bgd"><strong>How did they qualify:</strong> Atletico Madrid qualified directly into the Group Stage by winning the 2017-18 Europa League and by finishing in second place in the 2017-18 Spanish La Liga.</p>
<p id="e0o4W1"><em>— Chuck Smith</em></p>
<h3 id="QsMMCL"><strong>Runners-Up: Borussia Dortmund</strong></h3>
<p id="CSoBFt">Dortmund is talented enough to advance through the group stage and, frankly should be expected to, but if the early results in the Bundesliga mean anything, BVB could be poised for a disappointing showing. With Marco Reus and <span>Christian Pulisic</span> as Dortmund’s primary playmakers, <em>Die Schwarzgelben</em> should be able to muster enough offense to be a contender, but will its young center backs, Manuel Akanji and Abdou Diallo, be able to withstand the pressure of Atletico Madrid and AS Monaco?</p>
<p id="i8yzxE"><strong>How did they qualify:</strong> Borussia Dortmund qualified directly into the Group Stage by finishing in fourth place in the 2017-18 German Bundesliga.</p>
<p id="xkLEFp"><em>— Chuck Smith</em></p>
<h3 id="jeW3sz"><strong>Europa League: AS Monaco</strong></h3>
<p id="ksKXAP">So, what’s going on with AS Monaco this season? Following a great 2017-18 where they finished second in Ligue 1 with a number of points that would’ve won the league in many previous years, they now sit in 13th place after four games with only four points. Yes, they lost talented players like Joao Moutinho, Thomas Lemar and Fabinho, but Leonardo Jardim’s side has brought in Nacer Chadli, Benjamin Henrichs, and Aleksandr Golovin. Still, Monaco aren’t out of this. If they can put things together over the next few weeks, there’s no real reason to think that they can’t flip this spot with Borussia Dortmund.</p>
<p id="qhWvJ6"><strong>How did they qualify:</strong> AS Monaco qualified directly into the Group Stage by finishing in second place in the 2017-18 French Ligue 1.</p>
<p id="MWU2P8"><em>— Phillip Quinn</em></p>
<h3 id="Uf1pOI"><strong>Eliminated: Club Brugge</strong></h3>
<p id="j4nciG">Club Brugge may be best known to those in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/united-states">United States</a> as the Belgian club that has USMNT goalkeeper Ethan Horvath on its roster, but <em>Blauw-Zwart</em> may have its hands full in Group A. With neither the offensive firepower to break through its opposition, nor the defensive stability to slow down the high-powered offenses in the group, Club Brugge is in trouble. Arnaut Danjuma, Jelle Vossen, and Wesley Moraes will have to carry the offensive load if <em>Blauw-Zwart</em> hopes to pull out a game or two. </p>
<p id="j2UWlr"><strong>How did they qualify:</strong> Club Brugge qualified directly into the Group Stage by winning the 2017-18 Belgian First Division A.</p>
<p id="f5Au5R"><em>— Chuck Smith</em></p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2018/9/7/17814620/uefa-champions-league-2018-draw-preview-predictions-group-a-atletico-madrid-dortmund-monaco-bruggePhillip QuinnCSmith1919