ARSENAL fans are celebrating after finding out their Champions League group fate – while Manchester United and Newcastle have landed horror draws.
And the Gunners will not have to wait long to kick off their campaign, with the first group game taking place on the week commencing September 18.
It is a favourable draw for Arsenal on their return following a six-year absence, with first seeds Sevilla only qualifying for the Champions League because they won the Europa League.
PSV needed to beat Rangers in a play-off to qualify and RC Lens, who make up the group, have not played in the Champions League since 2002-03.
Newcastle have faced an even longer wait to return to Europe’s premier competition, having spent 20 years away from the Champions League.
But they have been handed a nightmare draw in Group F against Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund and Sandro Tonali’s former team AC Milan.
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Manchester United also face a tough task as they go head to head with Copenhagen, Galatasaray and tournament second favourites Bayern Munich, which means a quick return to England for Harry Kane.
They will be eager to avoid the disappointment of their 2020-21 Champions League group, when the Red Devils finished third.
Meanwhile defending champions Manchester City have been drawn against RB Leipzig, Red Star Belgrade and Young Boys in what fans have dubbed another easy group.
Newcastle have several glamour ties to look forward to on their Champions League return but fans don’t fancy their chances.
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One said: “Group F is the group of death in the #UCLdraw Newcastle will do well to get out of that 😬😬”
Another added: “Group F is absurd. Please don’t snooze on Newcastle. Battle for 3rd place Europa League will be crazy.”
While an Arsenal supporter wrote: “Great draw couldn’t have asked for a better group. We should walk this group. Am buzzing for the Champions League nights.”
Another commented: “Honestly we must come out first in that group.”
City have also been handed a relatively straightforward group, leading disgruntled fans to claim the draw has been “rigged” in their favour.
Last year Pep Guardiola’s side faced Sevilla, Borussia Dortmund and Copenhagen and remained undefeated, before later going on to win the tournament.
In 2020-21 they won five out of six group games up against Porto, Olympiacos and Marseille.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
