Bavarian Football Works - 2013-2014 UEFA Champions League DrawManufacturing goals in the German tradition, for domestic consumption and for export.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47275/bavarian-fave.png2013-09-01T19:04:38+02:00http://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/rss/stream/44360872013-09-01T19:04:38+02:002013-09-01T19:04:38+02:00D is for Dominance! A Closer Look at Group D
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<figcaption>Harold Cunningham</figcaption>
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<p>With FC Bayern getting one of the more favorable draws, the path to the next round may be more interesting than one may think</p> <p>As far as variety goes, the group that defending champions <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">FC Bayern München</a> drew on Friday is an excellent mixture of the under-achieving, the under-estimated, and the underdog.</p>
<p>There is the treble winner trying to stay on top, the English giant trying to stay for longer than just the group stage, a Russian champion trying to stay Europe-relevant, and a local Czech club trying to stay along for the ride.</p>
<p>While the group looks like a foregone conclusion, the strange tides of the champions league can wash away any predictions. Here's a deeper look at FC Bayern's opponents in UEFA Champions League Group D.</p>
<h5>
<span class="td clubName"><span class="clubFlag"><a href="http://www.uefa.com/teamsandplayers/teams/club=54266/profile/index.html" class="clubFlagLnk"><img width="18" height="18" src="http://img.uefa.com/imgml/TP/teams/logos/18x18/54266.png" title="PFC CSKA Moskva" alt="PFC CSKA Moskva"></a></span></span>PFC CSKA Moskva <span class="flagicon"><a title="Russia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russia"><img width="23" height="15" class="thumbborder" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/f3/Flag_of_Russia.svg/45px-Flag_of_Russia.svg.png" alt="Russia"></a></span>
</h5>
<p><b>Seasons in the Champions League:</b> 1971/72, 1993/94, 2004/05, 2006/07, 2007/08, 2009/10, 2011/12<br><b>Best Finish:</b> Quarterfinals (2009/10)<br><b>Record vs. FC Bayern:</b> 0 W, 0 D, 0 L<br><b>Key Player:</b> Alan Dzagoev<br><b>Key Gain:</b> Georgi Milanov (PFK Litex Lovech)<br><b>Key Loss:</b> Uros <span class="flag_16 left_16 serbia_16_left">Ćosić (<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/pescara" class="sbn-auto-link">Pescara</a>)<br><b>Most Used Formation (2013/14):</b> 4-4-1-1</span></p>
<p>Some may scoff at the fact that a team like PFC CSKA Moskva was placed in the same tier as the likes of <a href="https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Juventus</a>, Paris-Saint Germain, and <a href="https://acmilan.theoffside.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">AC Milan</a>. CSKA Moskva embodies the trait most clubs that compete in Europe must have: consistency.</p>
<p>This is not just a consistency in title contention year in and year out, but consistency in European play. One might think that the fact that the Russian club winning the 2005 UEFA Cup has something to do with their high coefficiency, but believe it or not, that trophy is outside the "statute of limitation", or more than five years ago.</p>
<p>Their spending budget has not been the same since Sibneft, or billionare Roman Abramovich's oil comany, ceased being their sponsor in 2006, but they still know how to spend. In fact, major investment in 2011 allowed them to escape the group stage of the 2011/12 Champions League. Now their investments are much more tactical – Kesuke Honda (€6m) in 2010, Ahmed Musa (€5m) and Mário Figueira (€10.5) in 2012 – investing in very young, inexperienced players to build around. That has kept them consistently in the hunt for the Russian Premier League crown, despite the spending of clubs like Zenit St. Petersburg, Anzhi Makhachkala, Lokomotiv Moskva or Spartak Moskva.</p>
<p>They currently sit four points clear in the league, with manager Leonid Slutsky's side grinding out points. Their squad depth, however, is somewhat lacking, and they did not do much in the summer transfer window to change that. Considering FC Bayern has never played the Moscow-based club, unfamiliarity could be on their side, and they could be a tough side to break down on the road. Additionally, all three of CSKA's opponents are probably dreading the trip to the Russian capital, especially in the waning stages of group competition.</p>
<p>A BATE Borisov-esque loss may be in the cards, and both matches will be more of work than walkover. That being said, CSKA Moskva is not a deep enough side to make it to the Round of 16.</p>
<p><b>Projected Group D Finish:</b> 3rd</p>
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<span class="td clubName"><span class="clubFlag"><a href="http://www.uefa.com/teamsandplayers/teams/club=52919/profile/index.html" class="clubFlagLnk"><img width="18" height="18" src="http://img.uefa.com/imgml/TP/teams/logos/18x18/52919.png" title="Manchester City FC" alt="Manchester City FC"></a></span></span><a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Manchester City</a> <span class="flagicon"><a title="England" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England"><img width="23" height="14" class="thumbborder" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/be/Flag_of_England.svg/46px-Flag_of_England.svg.png" alt="England"></a></span>
</h5>
<p><b>Seasons in the Champions League:</b> 1968/69, 2011/12, 2012/13<br><b>Best Finish:</b> 3rd in Group A (2011/12)<br><b>Record vs. FC Bayern:</b> 1 W, 0 D, 1 L<br><b>Key Player:</b> <span>David Silva</span><br><b>Key Gain:</b> Fernandinho (Shakhtar Donetsk)<br><b>Key Loss:</b> <span>Carlos Tévez</span> (Juventus Turin)<br><b>Most Used Formation (2013/14):</b> 4-4-2</p>
<p>If Manchester City ever had an opportunity bestowed upon them from the Football gods to make it to the second round of the Champions League, it cannot get much better than 2013. It does not take a Football guru to figure out that Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Khaldoon Al Mubarak and Manuel Pellegrini are salivating at the opening.</p>
<p>Jesus Navas, Stefan Jovetic, Álvaro Negredo and Fernandinho are the latest additions to a five year project to bring the baby blues from a pedestrian British club to one of the best of Europe. Pellegrini now sits at the helm of this expensive endeavor, although Champions League experience is not part of his tool-bag.</p>
<p>Considering their recent rise, the only experience FC Bayern has against the English super-spenders is that from the Champions League Group Stage in 2011. Fortunately for <span>Pep Guardiola</span>, not only did he see a lot of the Manchester City players in his native Spain, but also in the 2013 Audio Cup final, a 2-1 result to the Bavarian Giants.</p>
<p>While success has eluded Manchester City in the past, the English club will only have to face one team from a top-5 UEFA coefficient country – last season, they dealt with Borussia Dortmund and <a href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Real Madrid CF</a> in the group stage, and FC Bayern and <a href="https://www.thesirenssong.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">ASS Napoli</a> the season prior. That could be the ticket to a trip to their first Round of 16.</p>
<p><b>Projected Group D Finish:</b> 2nd</p>
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<span class="td clubName"><span class="clubFlag"><a href="http://www.uefa.com/teamsandplayers/teams/club=64388/profile/index.html" class="clubFlagLnk"><img width="18" height="18" src="http://img.uefa.com/imgml/TP/teams/logos/18x18/64388.png" title="FC Viktoria Plzeň" alt="FC Viktoria Plzeň"></a></span></span>FC Viktoria Plze<span class="t_64388">ň </span><span class="flagicon"><a title="Czech Republic" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Czech_Republic"><img width="23" height="15" class="thumbborder" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cb/Flag_of_the_Czech_Republic.svg/45px-Flag_of_the_Czech_Republic.svg.png" alt="Czech Republic"></a></span>
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<h5></h5>
<p><b>Seasons in the Champions League:</b> 2011/12<br><b>Best Finish:</b> 3rd in Group H (2011/12)<br><b>Record vs. FC Bayern:</b> 0 W, 0 D, 2 L<br><b>Key Player:</b> Michal Duris<br><b>Key Gain:</b> Thomas Wagner (1. FK Příbram)<br><b>Key Loss:</b> Vladimir Darida (SC Freiburg)<br><b>Most Used Formation (2013/14):</b> 4-2-3-1</p>
<p>Use whatever cliche you'd like: an underdog, a Cinderella, the David taking on the Goliath. All these apply to FC Viktoria Plzeň, not because they are a Czech side in a group of giants, but because they are a small club in a smaller league.</p>
<p>This was a club that struggled with relegation not too long before, and they were a mid-table side at best for most of the millennium decade. Plzeň's only major trophy was a Czechoslovakian Cup in 1971, which lead to their first and single appearance in European competition before 2010. That was the only time that FC Bayern, fresh off of a DFB Pokal win in 1971, has ever faced FC Viktoria Plzeň, a 7-1 aggregate victory for the Rekordmeisters.</p>
<p>The <i>Viktoriáni</i> then burst onto the seen in 2010/2011, winning their first Czech league title. A debut in the group stage of the Champions League subsequently followed, although they finished third behind <a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">FC Barcelona</a> and AC Milan. Now, another arduous qualification for the group stage is on the docket after another Czech title.</p>
<p>This locally-owned club has embraced the tradition of developing local Czech talent; their current roster only lists three international players, one of which has been on the team sheet once this season. They currently sit second behind Sparta Prague in the Czech Liga, although Plzeň has a game in hand.</p>
<p>There is no question that Plzeň's squad will be stretched once again with a three-front battle, and the Cinderella will need to avoid turning into a pumpkin in order to have a chance. Regardless, this is a side that a neutral will have a hard time rooting against.</p>
<p><b>Projected Group D Finish:</b> 4th</p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2013/9/1/4672180/a-closer-look-at-cska-moscow-manchester-city-and-fc-viktoria-plzenDavis VanOpdorp2013-08-29T19:21:17+02:002013-08-29T19:21:17+02:00Franck Ribéry Wins the European Player of the Year
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<figcaption>Lennart Preiss</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>What may look like an upset to outsiders is a deserving result to FC Bayern fans.</p> <p>A UEFA Champions League Trophy, a Bundesliga Platter, a DFB Pokal, Bundesliga Player of the Year award, and now a UEFA Player of the Year award for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110243/franck-ribery">Franck Ribéry</a>.</p>
<p>Michel Platini shocked the world when the name on the back of the 2012/13 UEFA Player of the Year Trophy was "Ribéry", not "Messi" or even "Ronaldo."</p>
<p>"This is a very special moment for me. I thank my teammates, the club, the fans. We had a fantastic year at FC Bayern," said Ribéry [<a target="_blank" href="http://www.fcbayern.telekom.de/de/news/news/2013/ribery-gekroent-europas-fussballer-des-jahres.php">fcbayern.de</a>]</p>
<p>The point totals were not as close as one would think. Ribéry "ran away" with the vote, collecting 36 points, with Messi collecting 13 points and Ronaldo collecting a measly 3 points.</p>
<p>"I would be very happy and very proud," Ribéry said [<a href="http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1537064/bayern-munich-franck-ribery-backed-uefa-award?cc=5901">ESPN FC</a>]. "I've already been French Footballer of the Year twice before (2007 and 2008), but have yet to receive international recognition. In that respect, it'd be great."</p>
<p>Ribéry scored 16 goals and assisted on 23 others in all competitions for club and country last season. Not only did he play a major role in the treble-winning season for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/">FC Bayern München</a>, but France also sits only one point behind Spain in Group I of UEFA <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/world-cup-2014">World Cup</a> Qualifying thanks largely to the 30-year-old winger.</p>
<p>Many will question why <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110061/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a>, who scored in 19 consecutive Primera Division matches for FC Barcelona, got snubbed. Perhaps his hamstring trouble and Barcelona's inability to top Bayern in the Champions League opened the door for Ribéry to steal the crown.</p>
<p>Regardless, Ribéry had a fantastic season, and the fact that the members of UEFA recognized his achievements is pretty darn cool.</p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2013/8/29/4672284/franck-ribery-wins-uefa-european-player-of-the-yearDavis VanOpdorp2013-08-29T18:47:54+02:002013-08-29T18:47:54+02:00Bayern draw CSKA, Man City, Plzen in Group D
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<figcaption>Harold Cunningham</figcaption>
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<p>The Champions League draw has taken place. Where did Bayern Munich land?</p> <p>The draw for the 2013-2014 UEFA Champions League has been completed, and we now know where the first half of <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bayern Munich's</a> European adventure will take them. Bayern were drawn into Group D with CSKA Moscow, Manchester City, and Viktoria Plzen.</p>
<p>The group is great for me, because while Bayern should advance, it's not an easy group. The matches will be challenging, and Bayern should be tested throughout the group matches. Pep Guardiola's side will need to be prepared from the start to avoid slipping away from the Allianz. Hopefully, they'll avoid a slip-up like last season in Belarus away to BATE Borisov.</p>
<p>The full draw is as follows:</p>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" dir="ltr">
<colgroup>
<col width="147">
<col width="101">
<col width="132">
<col width="134">
<col width="110">
<col width="127">
<col width="99">
<col width="67">
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Group A</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Group B</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Group C</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Group D</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Group E</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Group F</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Group G</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Group H</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Manchester United</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Real Madrid</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Benfica</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Bayern München</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Chelsea</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Arsenal</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Porto</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Barcelona</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Shakhtar Donetsk</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Juventus</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Paris Saint-Germain</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">CSKA Moscow</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Schalke</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Marseille</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Atletico Madrid</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Milan</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Bayer Leverkusen</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Galatasaray</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Olympiacos</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Manchester City</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Basel</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Borussia Dortmund</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Zenit</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Ajax</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Real Sociedad</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Copenhagen</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Anderlecht</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Viktoria Plzen</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Steaua Bucharest</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Napoli</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Austria Wien</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Celtic</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p>What's your initial reaction to the group that Bayern have received? Davis will follow later with a more thorough analysis of the group and what we should expect from this year's Champions League. Next, UEFA will be announcing the Best Player in Europe Award. Hopefully, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110243/franck-ribery" class="sbn-auto-link">Franck Ribery</a> can take that award over <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110061/lionel-messi" class="sbn-auto-link">Lionel Messi</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110670/cristiano-ronaldo" class="sbn-auto-link">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>.</p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2013/8/29/4672060/bayern-munich-uefa-champions-league-draw-group-d-cska-moscow-manchester-city-viktoria-plzenPhillip Quinn2013-08-28T23:11:46+02:002013-08-28T23:11:46+02:00Looking at FC Bayern's Group Stage Probabilities
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<figcaption>Lennart Preiss</figcaption>
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<p>Now with the playoff rounds concluded, next up for FC Bayern is the draw tomorrow in Monaco, France. Here are the best- and worst-case scenarios for the Group Stage.</p> <p>With the Bundesliga in full swing and the DFB Pokal second stage all sorted out, the Champions League is the last piece of the Schedule <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">FC Bayern München</a> is still waiting for.</p>
<p>Now that the UEFA Champions League Qualifying is over, all that is left is the draw in Monaco on Thursday. Here's the four tiers of the draw:</p>
<table border="0" align="center">
<tbody align="center">
<tr>
<td><b>Tier 1</b></td>
<td><b>Tier 2</b></td>
<td><b>Tier 3</b></td>
<td><b>Tier 4</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FC Bayern München</td>
<td>Club Atlético de Madrid</td>
<td>FC Zenit St. Petersburg</td>
<td>FC København</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FC Barcelona</td>
<td>FC Shakhtar Donetsk</td>
<td>Manchester City FC</td>
<td>SSC Napoli</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chelsea FC</td>
<td>AC Milan<br>
</td>
<td>AFC Ajax</td>
<td>RSC Anderlecht</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Real Madrid CF</td>
<td>FC Schalke 04</td>
<td>Borussia Dortmund</td>
<td>Celtic FC<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Manchester United FC</td>
<td>Olympique de Marseille<br>
</td>
<td>FC Basel 1893</td>
<td>FC Steaua Bucuresti<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Arsenal FC</td>
<td>PFC CSKA Moskva<br>
</td>
<td>Olympiakos CFP</td>
<td>FC Viktoria Pizeň</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FC Porto</td>
<td>Paris-Saint Germain FC<br>
</td>
<td>Galatasaray AŞ</td>
<td>Real Sociedad de Fútbol<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SL Benfica</td>
<td>Juventus Turin<br>
</td>
<td>Bayer Leverkusen</td>
<td>FK Austria Wien<br>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p>FC Bayern get to avoid any of the 2013 UEFA Champions League semi-finalists in the group stage this year, considering Barcelona and Real Madrid are in the first tier and Borussia Dortmund is a German team. What the reds can't avoid is some big money spenders like Paris-Saint Germain and Manchester City.</p>
<p><b>Best-case Scenario: </b>CSKA Moskva, Olympiakos CFP, FK Austria Wien</p>
<p>While at the top of the Russian Premier League table, CSKA Moskva has not preformed well recently in European competition. While they did manage an appearance in the 2011/2012 Champions League Round of 16, they lost 6-2 aggregate against Real Madrid. What made matters worse was they barely snatched a Europa League Qualifying spot and were eliminated in the playoff round just a few weeks later. Simply put, they are not a two-front team.</p>
<p>Olympiakos did win the Greek Super League last year by 15 points, but only impressed in the Champions League against Montpellier, who struggled in all French competitions last season. Arsenal ripped them apart in the Emirates, and Levante ripped them apart in the Round of 32 in the Europa League shortly after. They have not advanced out of the Group Stage of the Champions League since the 2009/2010 season, and unless they are put in a favorable group, they won't make it again this year.</p>
<p>Austria Wien has a UEFA Coefficient of 16.575, just below Real Sociedad for worst of all qualifiers. The Austrian Champions had to weave through FH Hafnarfjördur of Iceland and Dinamo Zagreb of Croatia to qualify. They have struggled the past few years even reaching the UEFA Europa League over the past few years, and they have not advanced out of the group stage when they eventually qualified. They will need an APOEL-esque performance to make it to the next round.</p>
<p><b>Worst-case Scenario:</b> Paris-Saint Germain FC, Manchester City FC, SSC Napoli</p>
<p>The group of death in 2012/13 was hands down the Real Madrid/Borussia Dortmund/Manchester City/Ajax group, but this group would blow that one out of the water. All three clubs spent a lot of money with the goal of making a Champions League sized statement – Paris-Saint Germain spent a net €102 million on transfers, Manchester City net €80.5 million, Napoli a net €22.8 million. Add the €20.7 million net spending from Bayern and this group has a cast of characters meant for a James Cameron movie, not one for the Sundance Film Festival.</p>
<p>Of course, Napoli did not qualify for the Champions League last year, and Manchester City got eliminated from the first round, but both teams have new managers and are looking to build on their league success. Going into the Etihad or Stadio San Paolo would not be a walk in the park, neither would strolling into le Parc de Princes in the French capitol.</p>
<p>–</p>
<p>For those curious, FCB.tv will show the draw at 12:00 PM EDT. <a href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/match/885959/uefa-champions-league-draw/" target="_blank">Click here</a> to find out the television listings if you want to watch.</p>
<p>Who do you think FC Bayern will/should draw in the group stage? Feel free to comment below.</p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2013/8/28/4667538/the-bayern-bulletin-sprain-for-schweinsteiger-cap-for-alabaDavis VanOpdorp