Two of Europe’s elite are set to square off in Champions League Group D, with Bayern Munich and Atlético Madrid squaring off in a battle for dominance. For Bayern, it’s about proving that their new era can be better than the last; for Atlético, it’s about proving again that they can beat anyone, anywhere, any time, no matter how good they are or how strong their reputation. Even with two talented teams filling out the group in defending Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven and Russian side FK Rostov, the focus is completely on the two giants on the playground.
Champions League draw results 2016: Bayern Munich and Atlético Madrid set to compete for Group D supremacy
There are two clear favorites atop Group D.
Thomas Eisenhuth/Getty Images
Group winners: Bayern Munich
Even with Pep Guardiola gone, Bayern are an incredibly talented side who are capable of rolling over any team in this group -- even one as tough as Atlético. They're wildly talented, incredibly deep, and have a manager with a long history of success and getting the most out of his teams in Carlo Ancelotti. With all of that in hand, Bayern are aiming for a Champions League title and will be disappointed with anything less than that come the end of the season.
Runners-up: Atlético Madrid
Diego Simeone’s tough-nosed team would be favored to win just about any other group, but in this one they’re most likely finishing second. That’s hardly something to be disappointed in -- Bayern are one of the three best teams in the world, after all, and second place still gets them into the knockout stage. Still, they’ll do everything they can to knock Bayern down a peg, and seeing what they do in those efforts will be a lot of fun.
Europa League: PSV Eindhoven
PSV Eindhoven are a very good team who enjoyed a tremendous run to the Eredivisie title last season, and there are several groups in this year’s Champions League where they’d have a chance to advance to the knockout round. This group, however, is not one of them -- they are simply outclassed by the two giants in the group, and while earning some kind of upset against one of them isn’t out of the question, it would take a miracle for them and a disaster for one of the others for PSV to finish higher than third.
Out of Europe: FK Rostov
Welcome to your first ever Champions League group, Rostov! Your reward for getting here is facing one of the best clubs in the world, another member of the European elite, and a third team who are head-and-shoulders better than you are. Sorry. Better luck next time.
Player to watch: Nico Gaitán
While the signing of Kévin Gameiro grabbed more headlines, it might be the signing of Gaitan that proves more impactful for Atlético. The tricky winger developed a reputation as a quality playmaker and game changer at Benfica, and he brings a much-needed skill set to Atlético’s midfield, with his ability to make things happen from wide areas something they definitely needed and will make them much better.
Key match: First Bayern-Atlético match
The two matches between these two teams will almost certainly decide who wins the group, but while the second match could prove decisive, it will be the first one that establishes separation between the two on top of the group. Both teams will be eager to get any advantage they can over the other, because that momentum will be incredibly important through the rest of the group stage.
See More:
