Champions League 2012/2013: Draw of the group stage

This afternoon saw the draw for the group stage of the Champions League 2012/2013, with Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, ​​Valencia and Malaga CF CF as representatives of the League BBVA . Of them all, was the whole Jose Mourinho the most damaged by chance, being framed in the already named as group of death.

Real Madrid

Real Madrid will play in Group D, where they will be joined by Manchester City, Ajax and Borussia Dortmund. Champion of the Premier League and the Bundesliga to make life difficult for the white set, having declared both teams this season will concentrate their forces in the Champions League. However, the Madrid remains favorite to get into round as group winners.

In fact, and this is a personal opinion, I think it's good news for Madrid face an early stage to equipment required and shall not pinch. Without going any further, last season had an easy ride crossing with Lyon, Ajax himself, Dinamo Zagreb, CSKA Moscow and Apoel ... until suddenly they had to do with a team from the likes of Bayern Munich, and was overwhelmed by the situation.

FC Barcelona

Best thing has happened to the other three Spanish representatives, especially considering what might have been. The FC Barcelona (Group G) will in the most dangerous rival Benfica. A Benfica last season that was eliminated in the quarterfinals at the hands of a posteriori champions Chelsea, despite having him on the ropes throughout the tie. Rounding out the group of Spartak Moscow and Unai Emery Celtic, both teams should not assume that, in theory, no problem for Tito Vilanova.

Valencia CF

The Valencia is next to Real Madrid, the Spanish side that has run worse luck. Drawn in Group F, will have their toughest matches in the current runners-up Bayern Munich. First of all Teuton can enjoy a rematch of the 2001 Champions League final, where they lost on penalties.

Many of the options will go through their clashes valencianistas against Lille French, ex-Central team Adil Rami. Although Valencia is superior physical power and tactical Gallo might entail a whole lot of trouble. Complete the group BATE Borisov.

Malaga CF

Simply participate for the first time in the Champions League and is a cause for celebration for Malaga, but the fate that has brought the draw for the group stage throws a clear hint to all Manuel Pellegrini despite problems being experienced: Why not go to second round?

Malaga will play in Group C alongside AC Milan, Anderlecht and Zenit. The truth is that no opponent is unbeatable for the Andalusians, even Milan. And is that the Italian has clearly hurt its potential output for several stars like Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva or Cassano.

The Champions League 2012/2013, whose final will be played at Wembley, will start on Tuesday 18 September.

In NDF | Andres Iniesta, Best Player Award of the UEFA 2012