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      Who will Newcastle play in the Champions League group stages? Fixtures and dates revealed

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      NEWCASTLE UNITED have been drawn in the group of death for this season’s Champions League group stage.It’s a clean-sweep of massive fixtures for the Magpies, with Newcastle drawing PSG, AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund.
      Newcastle will take part in this year’s Champions League for the first time since the 2002/03 seasonCredit: Rex
      The draw in full
      Champions League nights at St James’ Park were last seen under Sir Bobby Robson in the 2002/03 season with a team that included the likes of Alan Shearer, Nobby Solano and Gary Speed.
      Back then the competition was split into two group stages, with Newcastle advancing through a group that contained Juventus, Dynamo Kyiv and Feyenoord.
      After that they were drawn in a group of death, like this year, alongside Barcelona, Inter Milan and Bayer Leverkusen and ultimately crashed out during the second group stage.
      Eddie Howe masterminded a return to the Champions League last season with the club finishing fourth in the Premier League.
      READ MORE NEWCASTLE NEWS
      Their qualification came firmly ahead of schedule for the club’s Saudi ownership, who took them over the previous season with the club facing relegation under Steve Bruce.
      Newcastle have been active in the transfer window as they prepare to have a squad capable of managing European and Premier League football.
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      Sandro Tonali became the club’s record signing after transferring from AC Milan for £60million.
      The midfielder brings Champions League experience with him after playing in the semi-final against rivals Inter last season.
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      They have also reinforced by bringing in Leicester winger Harvey Barnes for £38m.
      Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall have also reinforced the squad at full back.
      Despite the high of last season’s top four finish, it’s been a tough start to the season for Newcastle.
      They kicked off the season in impressive style with a thrilling 5-1 demolition of Aston Villa but have since fallen to a 1-0 defeat to champions Manchester City and a late Darwin Nunez double saw them lose 2-1 to Liverpool.
      They’ll be looking to bounce back next time away at Brighton in the Saturday evening kick off. More

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      Champions League draw in full as Man Utd and Newcastle land HORROR groups but Arsenal fans rejoice

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      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.
      Bukayo Saka is set to feature in the Champions League for the first timeCredit: Getty
      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. More

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      Champions League group stage draw LIVE REACTION: Man Utd face Bayern, Arsenal take on Sevilla while Newcastle draw PSG

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      THE Champions League draw has been concluded – and Manchester United have been thrown into a tough group.Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich will be going up against the Red Devils, while Arsenal are set to take on European giants Sevilla.
      Newcastle find themselves with a tough trip to Paris Saint-Germain.
      And it is a repeat of last season as Manchester City face RB Leipzig.

      Group A: Bayern Munich, Man Utd, Copenhagen, Galatasaray
      Group B: Sevilla, Arsenal, PSV Eindhoven, Lens
      Group C: Napoli, Real Madrid, Braga, Union Berlin
      Group D: Benfica, Inter Milan, Salzburg, Real Sociedad
      Group E: Feynoord, Atletico Madrid, Lazio, Celtic
      Group F: PSG, Borussia Dortmund, Milan, Newcastle
      Group G: Man City, RB Leipzig, Crvena zvezda, Young Boys
      Group H: Barcelona, Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk, Antwerp

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      Stay up to date with all the latest from the Champions League group stage draw…
      Arsenal fans react to draw
      Many Arsenal fans were left thrilled after the Gunners were drawn in Group B of the Champions League alongside Sevilla, RC Lens and PSV Eindhoven.
      One person tweeted: “Easy max points.”
      Another added: “Thank You Lord for this Great Challenge! What a Group!”
      While a third said: “Should walk through it.”
      Man City Champions League group in full
      The holding Champions have been drawn in Group H.

      Manchester City
      RB Leipzig
      Crvena Zvezda
      Young Boys

      Newcastle Champions League group in full
      The Magpies have been drawn in Group F.

      PSG
      Borussia Dortmund
      AC Milan
      Newcastle

      Arsenal Champions League group in full
      The Gunners were drawn in Group B yesterday.

      Sevilla
      Arsenal
      PSV Eindhoven
      RC Lens

      Who will Arsenal face in the Champions League group stages?
      Arsenal are back in the Champions League for the first time since the 2016/17 season.
      And they face a fairly straightforward test in the group stage after being drawn against Sevilla, PSV Eindhoven and Lens.
      Mikel Arteta saw his Arsenal players work wonders last season, leading them to an impressive second-place Premier League finish behind Treble winners Manchester City.
      And the Spaniard is unlikely to have his work cut out in the group stage after a favourable draw on Thursday.
      Arsenal’s toughest group test is sure to come against Sevilla, winner of last season’s Europa League.
      The next team Arsenal have to get past is PSV Eindhoven, who finished second in last term’s Eredivisie.
      Finally, the Gunners go up against Lens, who have just splashed £30million on former Chelsea target Elye Wahi.
      Edu gives Arsenal transfer update
      Arsenal chief Edu provided fans with an update on the club’s transfer business after the Champions League draw today.
      He also hinted that the club are unlikely to sign any more players before today’s deadline.
      Edu said: “As everyone saw, we made a strong strategy to be very proactive at the beginning of the transfer window & I think we did it. Now we are talking about trying to balance the squad a little bit better.”
      “We keep talking to a few clubs, but so far, we are really happy with the transfer window and we have to say thank you very much to all the people that work at the club to make that happen – good, exciting season ahead for us!”
      Haaland spotted with model girlfriend
      Isabel Johansen stole the show from boyfriend Erling Haaland during the Champions League draw after she was spotted by the cameras.
      Isabel was in the crowd in Monaco as she watched Haaland get crowned Uefa Men’s Player of the Year.
      Haaland, 23, was given the award after the Champions League draw was made by former West Ham and Chelsea star Joe Cole and ex-Barcelona defender Eric Abidal.
      Credit: YouTube @TNT Sports
      Joe Cole has ‘look of terror’ while picking the draw
      Fans have been left in hysterics after Joe Cole had a “look of terror” on his face during the Champions League draw.
      Cole, 41, was doing a professional job as he read out the team names however had a panic as he got to one in particular.
      As he removed Crvena zvezda, he decided to call the team Red Star Belgrade.
      To which presenter Pedro Pinto joked that the former England international was “playing it safe” with his choice of phrasing.
      The Serbian is referred to as Red Star Belgrade in English-speaking countries whereas in its homeland is called Crvena zvezda.
      Fans could not help but have a joke at Cole’s panic as they took to social media, with one person tweeting: “Joe Cole didn’t even attempt to pronounce Crvena zvezda.”
      A second commented: “The utter terror on Joe Cole’s face when he got Red Star Belgrade.”
      Credit: AP
      Arsenal fans relieved at Champions League draw
      Many Arsenal fans were left thrilled after the Gunners were drawn in Group B of the Champions League alongside Sevilla, RC Lens and PSV Eindhoven.
      One person tweeted: “Easy max points.”
      Another added: “Thank You Lord for this Great Challenge! What a Group!”
      While a third said: “Should walk through it.”
      Man Utd fans claim they are ‘cursed’
      Man Utd fans are convinced they are cursed after being handed a horror Champions League draw.
      The Red Devils will face Galatasaray, Copenhagen and Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich, who are the second favourites to win the tournament.
      While Arsenal and Manchester City have both been handed favourable draws by comparison.
      It is a blow for United who also faced a tricky group the last time they were in the competition in the 2021-22 campaign.
      But they did manage to win that group which consisted of Villarreal, Atalanta and Young Boys.
      A year prior United were drawn against Paris Saint-Germain, RB Leipzig and Istanbul Basaksehir, which is why some fans feel they are cursed.
      One supporter said: “You can’t tell me Manchester United isn’t cursed when it comes to draws.”
      Wiegman dedicates award to Spanish national team
      England manager Sarina Wiegman dedicated her Coach of the Year award to the Spanish women’s national team amid the ongoing Luis Rubiales scandal.
      She said: “This team deserves to be celebrated and listened to.”
      UEFA chief slammed for ‘condescending’ comment
      UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin has been slammed by fans after warning Sarina Wiegman her Coach of the Year trophy was heavy.
      The England Women’s boss collected the prize in Monaco after the Champions League draw after winning it for the second year running.
      She was welcomed on to stage and awarded her trophy by Ceferin.
      But before he handed over the silverware he told Wiegman: “Be careful, it’s heavy.”
      Outraged fans flocked to social media to question Ceferin’s comment, with many criticising the Slovenian.
      One said: “Absolutely no way the president of Uefa said to Sarina Weigman ‘be careful it’s heavy’ when handing her coach of the year. Honestly mate…after the last two weeks you wanna condescend?”
      Another added: “What’s up with men telling women to be careful the trophy they’re about to receive is heavy? Just happened again.”
      Credit: Getty
      Fans confused after realising draw host
      Football fans were left confused as Joe Cole was given the honour of doing the Champions League draw.
      The former West Ham and Chelsea star – who has never won the competition – took center stage along with ex-Barcelona defender Eric Abidal for the tournament’s draw.
      He joined Abidal on stage, with the former Barcelona star boosting two triumphs in the competition during his playing days.
      And fans were confused by his inclusion by Uefa as they took to social media.
      One Tweeted: “Joe Cole at the UCL draw!”
      A second commented: “How has Joe Cole managed to get a piece of this.”
      A third wrote: “Joe Cole is one of UEFA’s special guests for the group draw?”
      Newcastle fans react to the draw
      Newcastle supporters have had mixed reactions to the club’s ‘group of death’ Champions League draw.
      One person tweeted: “Can’t waste time against these giants.”
      Another added: “Sometimes you have to be close to DEATH to feel ALIVE! Bring it on!”
      While a third joked: “Just take whatever we experience we can gain and run!”
      Eagle-eyed fans spot draw script
      Eagle-eyed viewers have spotted that the Champions League draw was scripted after a behind the scenes snap.
      Presenter Reshmin Chowdhury gave the fans an insight by posting on her Instagram story.
      The story shows the stage being set alongside the Champions League trophy and then pans down to a script on the presenters iPad.
      Chowdhury captioned the story with “Final rehearsals” alongside a pair of eyes staring emoji.
      The script on the iPad showed instructions for the presenter with what to say between each draw.
      Fans pitty Newcastle
      Fans have shown sympathy for Newcastle after they were drawn against PSG, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan.
      One fan Tweeted: “Who did Newcastle offend?”
      A second wrote: “Woah Newcastle are in the toughest group ever.”
      A third commented: “So sorry for Newcastle 😤.”
      Haaland ‘living the dream’
      A beaming Erling Haaland claimed he is “living the dream” after he was named the Uefa Men’s Player of the Year.
      Credit: TNT Sports
      City get ‘easy group again’
      Manchester City have been criticised by fans online after getting another “easy” group in the Champions League.
      The current holders face RB Leipzig, Shaktar Donetsk and Royal Antwerp.
      One fan declared: “Man City once again. Easy group.”
      A second added: “Man City in another easy group.”
      While another said: “What about Man City’s group. Looks like the easiest group for me.”
      Arsenal fans confident
      Arsenal supporters are very confident after seeing their team drawn into Group B against Sevilla, PSV and RC Lens.
      One Tweeted: “We’ve got this in the bag.”
      Another added: “Should be able to win the group. Would be mega disappointed if we don’t.”
      Credit: AFP
      United fans nervous of Group
      Man United fans have been left nervous after seeing their team drawn against Bayern Munich, Copenhagen and Galatasaray.
      One said: “I don’t see Man United leaving their group.”
      A second added: “Any team can win but not Man United.”
      Wiegman scoop accolade
      Lionesses coach Sarina Wiegman has won the Uefa Women’s Coach of the Year.
      Credit: TNT Sports
      Guardiola picks up award
      Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has won the Uefa Men’s Coach of the Year award.
      On Arsenal’s draw
      The Gunners will be in Group B, but Joleon Lescott is “confident and believes” that Arsenal will top the group.
      Group of death
      Own Hargreaves has backed Newcastle to put up a fight in Group F despite facing PSG, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan.
      He said: “Eddie Howe’s side will be up for it and it is actually quite even.”
      Trip home for Hojlund 
      Manchester United summer signing Rasmus Hojlund will have a trip back home during the group stages.
      He and United will face Copenhagen, where Hojlund was born and spent time at during his youth career.
      Credit: Getty More

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      Champions League draw LIVE: Stream FREE as Man Utd, Arsenal, Newcastle and Man City learn group stage fate in Monaco

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      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE football is back – and the group stage draw is underway RIGHT NOW!Teams will hope to avoid Manchester City after they capped off their historic Treble triumph with victory over Inter Milan in last season’s final.
      But all eyes will be on the Premier League trio of Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle as they make their highly-anticipated return to Europe’s top-tier competition.

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      Stay up to date with all the latest from the Champions League group stage draw…
      A reminder of who is in which pot
      Pot 1: Manchester City, Sevilla, Barcelona, Napoli, Bayern Munich, Paris St-Germain, Benfica, Feyenoord.
      Pot 2: Real Madrid, Manchester United, Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, RB Leipzig, Porto, Arsenal.
      Pot 3: Shakhtar Donetsk, RB Salzburg, AC Milan, Braga, PSV Eindhoven, Lazio, Red Star Belgrade, FC Copenhagen.
      Pot 4: Young Boys, Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, Celtic, Newcastle United, Union Berlin, Royal Antwerp, RC Lens.
      Hargreaves on the “beautiful” draw
      Owen Hargreaves has also shared his thoughts on the draw.
      He said: “The Champions League draw is a beautiful thing.
      “Just to see who you’re going to play against, maybe against somebody you looked up to as an idol.”
      Team to avoid
      Joe Cole has also claimed that Newcastle and Celtic are the teams to avoid from Pot 4.
      He said: “Celtic wherever they are they raise themselves and are a match for anyone.
      “Newcastle will be the one that everyone will be trying to avoid in Pot 4.
      “Like Celtic, St James’ Park will be rocking on Tuesdays and Wednesday nights.”
      Credit: TNT SPORTS
      City are ‘the team to beat’
      Former Chelsea and West Ham star Joe Cole has insisted that Manchester City are still the team to beat.
      He said on TNT Sports: “Without a doubt, I don’t think they are as strong as they were last year with a lot of turnover.
      “But they are in that group with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
      “Come six month’s time, things may be different, but they are so good at the moment.”
      Last draw of its kind
      This will be the last Champions League draw of its kind as it will be changing for next season.
      In 12 months time, the competition will have undergone a revamp which will see more clubs being added and a new format to determine a winner.
      Kane aiming for glory
      Harry Kane will be hoping to reap the benefits of his move to Bayern Munich.
      The German giants are the joint-third most successful club in the competition winning it on six occasions.
      Kane has yet to win any major silverware in his career and will want that run to come to an end this season.
      Should Bayern reach the final then the Englishman will feel comfortable with the match set to be played at Wembley.
      Credit: Getty
      Spain eyeing the trophy
      Real Madrid will no doubt be keen to get their hands back on the trophy having won it 14 times in their history.
      Barcelona have won the competition six times but have failed to get out of the group stages for two consecutive seasons.
      Sevilla however will be hoping to turn Europa League success into the Champions League, with the club winning the secondary competition seven times.
      However, they have never won the Champions League in their history.
      Atletico Madrid will also be eyeing the trophy having reached the final back three times in their history without ever winning.
      Credit: EPA
      Italians looking to go one further
      After Inter Milan reached the final last season, Italian football fans will be hoping one of Napoli, AC Milan, Lazio and Inter will be able to go one further.
      AC and Inter battled it out in the semi-final while Napoli were knocked out by AC in the quarter-final.
      Lazio however are taking their first steps in the tournament since 2021 when they were knocked out by Bayern Munich in the last 16.
      Credit: AFP
      Man City looking to retain trophy
      Manchester City will be looking to replicate their success in the Champions League from last season.
      The Citizens beat Inter Milan 1-0 in a tense final in Istanbul thanks to Rodri’s second-half strike.
      Pep Guardiola may have to adapt his team however as talisman Kevin de Bruyne is likely to miss the entire group stages.
      The last time a club won the Champions League consecutively was Real Madrid when they won it three times in a row between 2016 and 2018.
      Credit: Getty
      Arsenal’s first CL venture in six years
      The last time Arsenal were in the Champions League was during the 2016/17 campaign.
      It was the Gunners’ 17th consecutive campaign in the tournament.
      It was also the club’s seventh year in a row of being knocked out at the round of 16 stage as they were thrashed 10-2 on aggregate by Bayern Munich.
      Mikel Arteta will be hoping to avoid that fate as he makes his debut as a manager in the competition this season.
      Credit: Alamy
      Manchester United’s return to the tournament
      Man United will be making their first appearance in the Champions League after failing to qualify for last year’s edition.
      Erik ten Hag’s side have not had a convincing start to the Premier League campaign and will be hoping to be better in Europe.
      The club are still trying to add to the squad with Sofyan Amrabat among the targets.
      The midfielder played in the Conference League final last season for Fiorentina but suffered defeat to West Ham.
      Credit: EPA
      How will Newcastle fair?
      The Magpies have qualified for the Champions League for the first time since the 2003/04 season.
      Eddie Howe’s side have added quality to an already impressive team this summer with Harvey Barnes, Tino Livramento, and Lewis Hall.
      However, Sandro Tonali could be the biggest addition as he brings a wealth of European experience.
      The midfielder reached the semi-finals of the tournament last season and will want to match that same success.
      Credit: Reuters
      One hour to go
      The draw for the Champions League will start at 5pm UK time.
      Credit: Getty
      Many stars will miss this year’s tournament
      Following the wave of players moving away from Europe this summer, the Champions League will be missing some iconic faces.
      Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, N’Golo Kante, Sadio Mane, Riyad Mahrez, and Karim Benzema are all among the players who will not compete after completing moves to Saudi Arabia.
      While Lionel Messi will not be in the Champions League as he left PSG for Inter Miami in the MLS.
      Credit: Getty
      What else will happen during the draw?
      During the Champions League draw the awards for the 2022/23 Uefa Men’s Player of the Year, Uefa Women’s Player of the Year, Uefa Men’s Coach of the Year and Uefa Women’s Coach of the Year will be presented.
      Meanwhile, former Germany striker Miroslav Klose will be awarded the 2023 Uefa President’s Award by Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin.
      Credit: Reuters
      Who are the favourites to win?

      Man City – 21/10
      Bayern Munich – 5/1
      Real Madrid – 17/2
      Arsenal – 10/1
      Barcelona – 12/1
      PSG – 14/1
      Man United – 16/1
      Napoli, Newcastle – 20/1
      Inter, Atletico Madrid – 25/1
      Dortmund – 33/1
      AC Milan – 40/1
      RB Leipzig, Sevilla, Benfica – 50/1
      Celtic – 150/1

      *Odds provided by Betfair.
      Credit: Getty
      How were the Pots decided?
      Pot 1 includes the Champions League winners and the Europa League winners as well as champions from Europe’s top six leagues.
      However as Manchester City are the current holders of the Champions League and Premier League titles, Dutch outfit PSV have snuck in.
      Pots 2 to 4 have been decided by the club’s Uefa co-efficient rankings which are based on their performances in Europe.
      Paired clubs
      Clubs that are paired together from the same countries will play on separate days.

      A Manchester City & Manchester United
      B Sevilla & Atlético
      C Barcelona & Real Madrid
      D Napoli & Lazio
      E Bayern & Dortmund
      F Paris & Lens
      G Benfica & Porto
      H Feyenoord & PSV
      I Inter & AC Milan
      J Leipzig & Union Berlin
      K Arsenal & Newcastle

      Which clubs are in Pot 4?

      Young Boys (SUI)
      Real Sociedad (ESP)
      Galatasaray (TUR)
      Celtic (SCO)
      Newcastle (ENG)
      Union Berlin (GER)
      Antwerp (BEL)
      Lens (FRA)

      Credit: PA
      Which teams are in Pot 3?

      Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR)
      Salzburg (AUT)
      Milan (ITA)
      Braga (POR)
      PSV (NED)
      Lazio (ITA)
      Crvena zvezda (SRB)
      Copenhagen (DEN)

      Credit: Getty
      Who is in Pot 2?

      Real Madrid (ESP)
      Manchester United (ENG)
      Inter (ITA)
      Dortmund (GER)
      Atlético de Madrid (ESP)
      Leipzig (GER)
      Porto (POR)
      Arsenal (ENG)

      Credit: AP
      Which teams are in Pot 1?

      Manchester City (ENG)
      Sevilla FC (ESP) – B
      FC Barcelona (ESP) – C
      SSC Napoli (ITA) – D
      FC Bayern München (GER) – E
      Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) – F
      SL Benfica (POR) – G
      Feyenoord (NED) – H

      Credit: Getty
      Champions League draw day is here
      Hello and welcome to today’s big Champions League draw from Monaco.
      And it is a huge day for the Premier League with Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal and Newcastle in the draw.
      Arsenal will be in the draw for Europe’s elite competition for the first time since 2017.
      While Newcastle were last in the tournament in 2003.
      City go into the draw as the holders after their stunning win over Inter Milan to complete The Treble last season.
      Stick with us here on SunSport as we bring you all of the updates from the big day.
      All eyes will be on the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco for what should be an absolute cracker! More

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      Who is Champions League draw star Giorgio Marchetti?

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      GIORGIO Marchetti is well known in the footballing world, with a career spanning decades.He has worked in the sport since the 1980s, but who is he?
      Giorgio Marchetti is known for drawing football teamsCredit: AFP
      Who is Giorgio Marchetti?
      Giorgio Marchetti is best known as the person who conducts the draws for the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League throughout the campaign.
      Before this job he has had quite the career in the footballing industry.
      The Italian started off as a sports manager in the football league.
      At the beginning of 2004, with the new management of Lars-Christer Olsson as general manager, he was called by the European confederation to be the marketing and commercial director.
      Read more on sport
      What does Giorgio Marchetti do at UEFA?
      Marchetti’s work at UEFA began in 2007 when he became director of all UEFA club and country competitions.
      In December 2016, he became Director of Sport and was promoted to the position of UEFA Deputy Secretary General.
      Due to being director of competitions he assisted in carrying out the draws for all UEFA competitions.
      He is recognised for conducting the draws for the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.
      Most read in Football
      Marchetti has earned quite a following from the job, with supporters often tweeting their support during the draw for each competition.
      Speaking to the Daily Star about his role at UEFA, Giorgio admitted that he feels pressure when he draws the teams for each competition.
      He explained: “You feel huge pressure when you are live to deliver something which catches such eager attention among worldwide football fans.
      “What I try to do is to avoid thinking about anything which is not what’s happening on stage and following our procedure correctly. That’s not always easy, at times I feel I would need some kind of zen technique…”
      Is Giorgio Marchetti married and does he have children?
      Yes, Marchetti is married and has children.
      He is married to Matilde and the pair have three children together, Andrea, Davide and Matteo.
      The family live in Nyon, which is the city where UEFA is based. More

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      Italy legend Leonardo Bonucci set for stunning transfer abroad as he returns to Champions League at 36

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      JUVENTUS icon Leonardo Bonucci is on the brink of a return to the Champions League with a shock new club.The Italian legend, 36, is set to join Bundesliga side Union Berlin, on their debut campaign in the competition.
      Italian legend Leonardo Bonucci is leaving Juventus to join Union BerlinCredit: Getty
      Fabrizio Romano says the defender will travel to the German capital today to complete a deal.
      In his prime, Bonucci was once the top centre-backs in world football, winning eight titles with Juventus while leading Italy to glory at Euro 2020.
      The veteran is now approaching the end of his glittering career.
      And Bonucci recently announced his intention to hang up his boots in 2024.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      However, the defender is ready for one last dance with Berlin before bowing out.
      He will join the Die Eisernen on a free transfer signing a one-year deal with an option for a further season to be decided.
      It will be the first time he has ever played outside of Italy.
      The Italian ace initially received interest from Premier League side Newcastle, the MLS and Saudi Arabia.
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      But Bonucci is eager to play at the highest level with Champions League football on the cards.
      A move for the Juventus star to the Bundesliga side is favourable as they are making their Champions League debut this season.
      The defender made his professional appearance back in 2006 with Inter Milan.
      Having been an integral part of the Bianconeri’s backline for over a decade Bonucci’s departure marks the end of an era.
      The centre-back joined Juventus in 2010, where, apart from the 2017-18 season with AC Milan, he has been ever since.
      He has made exactly 500 appearances for the club.
      However, the Champions League trophy has proved elusive, with Bonucci experiencing heartbreaking defeats in the final on two occasions.
      Bonucci’s transfer to Germany can potentially pave the way for him to grab the missing piece of silverware. More

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      Who is Champions League draw host Pedro Pinto?

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      THE UEFA Champions League draw is a yearly event which determines the group stages and subsequent games for the upcoming season.Pedro Pinto hosts the annual draw with UK sports journalist and broadcaster Reshmin Chowdhury.
      Pedro Pinto is a sports journalist and presenter who hosts the UEFA Champions League DrawCredit: REUTERS/Denis Balibouse
      Who is Pedro Pinto?
      Pedro Pinto is a sports journalist and presenter. 
      He was born in Lisbon, Portugal, on January 28, 1975.
      Pinto moved to the US for college and graduated from the University of North Carolina with a degree in communications and marketing.
      Upon graduating Pinto began his career as a TV presenter, hosting programmes back in Portugal.
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      He eventually landed a role as sports anchor and correspondent with CNN International, moving to Atlanta, Georgia.
      After a brief return to Portuguese television, Pinto took up another role with CNN, this time in London.
      In this job he interviewed major sports stars such as tennis legends Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, as well as football’s Sir Alex Ferguson and Pelé.
      Pinto is also a businessman.
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      He is the founder and CEO of Empower Sports, a sports communications agency with offices in Lisbon, London and São Paulo.
      As of August 2023, Pinto lists his job as founder, CEO, and director of communications at Empower Sports, and broadcaster and executive producer at ELEVEN SPORTS HQ.
      Pinto is fluent in Portuguese, English, and Spanish and has a “good working knowledge” of French, according to his LinkedIn.
      What does Pedro Pinto do at UEFA?
      In 2013, Pinto left CNN for a second time, this time to take the job of Chief of Press at UEFA.
      The following year, he was named Chief of Communications and Media and in 2017 he became UEFA’S Managing Director of Communications.
      In this last role he served as an official spokesman for the organisation and oversaw editorial content on all UEFA digital and social media platforms.
      Although he left his Managing Director of Communications role in 2018, Pinto has stayed involved with UEFA and still hosts the Champions League draws.
      The 2023/24 UEFA Champions League group stage draw is scheduled to take place on Thursday, August 31, at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco. More

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      Newcastle land Champions League group of death in horror draw with fans relieved it’s only rehearsal

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      NEWCASTLE found themselves in the group of death in the Champions League rehearsal draw. The Toon are making their return to Europe’s elite competition for the first time since the 2002/03 season.
      Newcastle got a tough draw in the Champions League rehearsalCredit: Reuters
      Eddie Howe’s side are set to be given tough games as they are in the lowest ranked pot four due to their lack of recent qualification.
      And in the rehearsal of the draw, Newcastle were reportedly put in a horror group alongside Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Red Star Belgrade.
      Fans are thankful it was only a practice run, one said: “Almost gave me a heart attack.”
      Another added: “If this was real we would be eliminated lol.”
      READ MORE NEWCASTLE NEWS
      But others were more positive and want the occasion of welcoming some of the world’s best sides to St James’ Park.
      One fan reacted: “I would be happy with that draw. Would be great to see us play big teams at home.”
      More supporters commented: “Why would we want an easy group? We’re in pot four so surely we want the better teams to give us something to look forward to?”
      Some even believed they could get the better of PSG, who have developed a reputation of failing to live up to the talent of their team in the Champions League.
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      The real draw is set to take place tonight at 5pm.
      Newcastle cannot draw Union Berlin, Lens, Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, Celtic, Young Boys and Antwerp as they are in pot four with them.
      They will face one of Sevilla, Barcelona, Napoli, Bayern Munich, PSG, Benfica and Feyenoord as they are in the top pot.
      Pot two contains Real Madrid, Manchester United, Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, RB Leipzig, Porto and Arsenal.
      And pot three has Shakhtar Donetsk, RB Salzburg, AC Milan, Lazio, Red Star Belgrade, Braga, PSV and FC Copenhagen.
      Newcastle cannot draw any other English sides in the group. More