There are two European giants in Group A, with reigning Spanish champions Atlético Madrid set to face reigning Italian champions Juventus. However, they'll probably both be pretty pleased with the draw, which includes the comparatively weak Olympiacos and even weaker Malmö FF filling the other two positions.
UEFA Champions League draw results: Atlético Madrid headline Group A
Atlético Madrid and Juventus will do battle for the top of Group A, and Olympiacos and Malmö FF are likely heading for an early exit.
Topping the group - Atlético Madrid
The idea of a Spanish team breaking the dual dominance of Barcelona and Real Madrid seemed impossible -- until last season. Diego Simeone's Atlético Madrid took La Liga by storm in an extraordinary campaign, eventually pipping Barça to take their first league title since 1996, as well as finishing runners-up to Real Madrid in the Champions League. They lack the depth of world class players of their domestic rivals, but Simeone's compact, counter-attacking style should mean they're competitive in this tournament once again.
Sitting second - Juventus
Juventus have won the Italian title comfortably for the last three seasons, with their powerhouse midfield of Arturo Vidal, Paul Pogba and Andrea Pirlo ensuring they could just break their domestic competitors down with brute force. However, this season they could find life a little more difficult, since coach Antonio Conte has been replaced by a rather less-reputable tactician, Massimiliano Allegri. They should still progress into the knockout stages, but it remains to be seen whether they have what it takes to genuinely challenge Europe's biggest teams.
Heading for Europa League - Olympiacos
Reigning Greek champions Olympiacos are certainly no European powerhouse, but that didn't stop them pulling off an upset to finish ahead of Benfica and Anderlecht and progress into the knockout stage last season. Under coach Míchel they'll be extremely well-organized and look to use the attacking talents of the likes of Ibrahim Afellay, Javier Saviola and Pajtim Kasami on the break, though they shouldn't have enough to overhaul either Atléti or Juventus.
Finishing last - Malmö FF
The last side in Group A is Swedish outfit Malmö FF, who comfortably saw off Red Bull Salzburg in the playoffs to make the group stage. They may be reigning champions in the Allsvenskan, but it’s difficult to envisage Åge Hareide’s side picking up any points at all in such a tough group. If they do avoid a big fat zero, their European campaign should be considered a success.
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