Here we go, here we go, here we go again -- Group E features three of the four teams that competed in Group D last time around. However, in the 2014-2015 version, Viktoria Plzeň are replaced by Roma. Yes, “E” truly stands for “Evil”.
UEFA Champions League draw results: Bayern Munich favorites in tough Group E
Bayern Munich, Manchester City and CSKA Moscow are all drawn together once more, and AS Roma completes Group E. Champions League Group of Death, anyone?
Meanwhile, CSKA Moscow players are probably going to start having some traumatic flashbacks right about now, what with their getting just three points last season and having 17 goals put in against them. Having an even tougher group this year certainly won’t help them sleep better at night.
Topping the group - Bayern Munich
It's hard to discount the Bavarian giants, even if they did manage to get dumped out of the tournament in the semifinals last year. It was only two seasons ago that Bayern Munich won everything under the sun, including the Champions League, taking the trophy for the fifth time in their history. They may be under Pep Guardiola now, but they've still got the same core of players, many of whom lifted the World Cup in Brazil. Assuming Guardiola doesn't get too experimental with his squad, they'll be one of the favorites to win it all -- even if they need to top a difficult group first.
Sitting second - Manchester City
Two years ago, Manchester City were drawn with Real Madrid, Dortmund and Ajax. They finished last. Three years ago, City were drawn with Bayern Munich, Napoli and Villarreal. They managed third. Last year, they were again drawn with Bayern, but had Viktoria Plzeň and CSKA Moscow for company. City finally made it to the next round -- only to lose 4-1 on aggregate to Barcelona. Well, they're with both Bayern Munich and CSKA once more, with the addition of Roma as well. But strength of their stars and the depth to their squad suggests City will have no trouble advancing to the next round.
Heading for Europa League - AS Roma
Oh, poor Roma. Back in Europe’s premier competition, and they get drawn with Bayern Munich and Manchester City. They’ve just lost their best defender, and Serie A starts later than the other European leagues. Yes, the giallorossi are quality, but probably not quality enough to make it to the Round of 16.
Finishing last - CSKA Moscow
Yes, again. Is it possible CSKA can compete against last year’s Bundesliga champs, last year’s Premier League title winners and the side that finished second in Serie A? Well, yes, it’s theoretically possible. But that scenario probably involves a lot of snow and cold. Sorry, CSKA.
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