Group stage draws

Next week also we will be familiar with all 20 groups from both cup competitions which will entertain us up until December.

Immediately one day after all its over and on the night when Europa league games will be well underway, UEFA is conducting the Champions league draw next Thursday, 25 August. All in all, 32 clubs will enter the group stages: ten (lucky) winners from previous two days plus 22 automatic qualifiers. Eight groups will be formed with four teams each. Thirty minutes earlier than expected, the fate for these clubs will slowly be revealed from 18.00 CET.

At the most interesting competition from its predecessor and in its usual time of 13.00 CET, on Friday, 26 August it will be the Europa league draw. Ten losing sides from the Champions league will have another chance to play and they will be mixed with 22 play off winners plus 16 automatic entries. So, this 48 will set up 12 groups with 4 teams each.