A Look at Chelsea FC’s Champions League 14/15 Draw
Rest of the Draw
Chelsea will no doubt be the happiest of the English Teams having seen the draw for the Group Stage. Arsenal, who were also in Pot 1, face a group that may prove trickier than at first glance. Their two ties against Borussia Dortmund will certainly be worth watching. Man City, who were in Pot 2, also have a tough path to make it through to the knockout rounds. Bayern Munich, who many people consider to be one of the strongest sides in Europe, head up a group in which there will be no easy games. CSKA Moscow and AS Roma complete the group and it will only be a benefit to Chelsea domestically if Man City are struggling in Europe.
Defending Champions Real Madrid have drawn Liverpool in what will be a mouth-watering set of games. Champions League nights at Anfield are filled with emotion and the visit of Real Madrid will get the passion bubbling nicely. FC Basel are also in this group and Chelsea have found in recent years they are certainly so pushovers. Ludogorets reward for their qualifying heroics is making up this group, although you’d imagine they will just be happy to be there.
The Group of Death this year is probably Group F, with the intriguing subplot of Zlatan Ibrahimović connecting PSG, Barcelona and Ajax. You have to feel slightly sorry for APOEL Nicosia, but their underdog status will make their potential progression even more legendary if they can edge through whilst the other three teams are playing out hotly contested draws.
Chelsea could argue to being in the Group of Life if it weren’t for Group H, which on paper may be the nicest Champions League group in history. It is important to remember two of these teams will progress to the knockout stages and other teams, Chelsea included, will no doubt be desparate to draw them in the last 16.
So, there you have it. Another Champions League draw full of talking points. Fortunately for Chelsea, much of the conversation will be dominated by excitement at a group which will have a lot of people already thinking about the First Knockout Round. It will be important not to underestimate our opponents, but if there is any manager that will ensure his team are focused one game at a time, then it’s our José Mourinho.
Please don’t hesitate to share your opinions on the draw below. Will Chelsea top the group? How far will we go in the competition? Will Drogba hit the winning penalty in the Final, again? Let me know!
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