From BZ/dpa
The groups for the new Champions League season were drawn in Monaco in the early evening. Union Berlin caught what was expected to be a difficult Group C with opponents Real Madrid, SSC Naples and SC Braga.
For the Köpenickers, the Champions League dream begins with a dream lot. The top teams from Spain, Italy and Portugal will be guests in the Olympic Stadium. In addition, the commitment of the defensive veteran Leonardo Bonucci seems to work. So let’s get started!
Union will play for the first time against the Italian champions and Real, the 14-time champions of the European premier class. Union coach Urs Fischer’s team had already played against Braga, who came third in Portugal last season, in the 2022/23 Europa League. In the preliminary round group D, Union lost 0-1 in Braga and won 1-0 in the local forester’s office.
“A great group with strong opponents, beautiful stadiums and certainly a breathtaking atmosphere. We’re looking forward to the Champions League games together with our fans,” said Union defense chief Robin Knoche.
The first match day takes place on 19./20. held in September. Then it goes on 3./4. and 24./25. October, 7th/8th and 28./29. November next. The last group game day takes place on 12./13. held in December.
Union moves to the Olympic Stadium for the group games. This means that more than 74,000 fans can follow every game, significantly more than in the stadium at the Alte Försterei (22,012 seats). The 40,000 season tickets reserved for members as a combination package for all three group games quickly sold out.
Bayern Munich meets Manchester United, FC Copenhagen and Galatasaray Istanbul. Borussia Dortmund plays against Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan and Newcastle United. RB Leipzig will face defending champions Manchester City, Red Star Belgrade and Young Boys Bern.