The ’18-19 Champions League group stage is set, and Bayern Munich could certainly have done worse than drawing Benfica, Ajax and AEK Athens.
That could have been much worse. Bayern Munich will face SL Benfica, Ajax and AEK Athens in Group E of the 2018-19 Champions League group stage. The Bavarians avoided several tougher opponents and should have no problem advancing to the knockout rounds of the competition.
However, Bayern must be careful not to underestimate their opposition. Any of the three, though undoubtedly underdogs, could shock the favorites and steal some points.
The competition should be enough to keep the Bavarians on there toes, but not enough to provide any significant threat to their spot atop the group. Although this lack of competition could be considered detrimental to the team, it could be more of a blessing to the club who recently lost one of their best players to injury and are still trying to settle in under new coach Niko Kovac.
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SL Benfica
Last year’s Liga NOS runners-up, Benfica haven’t won a European title since claiming back-to-back European Cup victories in 1961 and 1962. Rui Vitoria’s men aren’t to be taken lightly, though. They almost lost their chance to play in the Champions League this season, stumbling in their playoff draw against PAOK, but eventually emerged with a convincing 5-2 aggregate win.
They’re currently joint-top of the Portuguese top flight, having claimed seven points through three games. Players such as Pizzi, Eduardo Silvio and Franco Cervi create a threatening attack, but their defense and midfield aren’t exactly at the same level. Ruben Dias and Alejandro Grimaldo provide some steel to the backline, but Bayern should have no problems breaking them down.
An away trip to the Estadio de Luz will be tough for Bayern, but the German champions should ultimately have no problem picking up six points against the team who almost shockingly eliminated them from the competition in the ’15-16 quarterfinals.
AFC Ajax
Another team who finished runners-up in their domestic league last season, AFC Ajax is one of the most exciting young teams in Europe, boasting several top starlets such as Matthijs de Ligt, David Neres, Kasper Dolberg and Frenkie de Jong.
They’ve also strengthened somewhat over the summer, adding experience to their youthful side with Daley Blind and Dusan Tadic.
Ajax are one of the most fun teams to watch in all of Europe. Rarely do they sit by and let the game be brought to them. They haven’t won a Champions League since 1995, and it’s nearly impossible to see that changing this season. Nevertheless, this young side could surprise a lot of people.
Similarly to Benfica’s Estadio de Luz, Ajax’s Johan Cruyff Arena will be a difficult ground for Bayern to escape with three points.
What Ajax lacks in experience, they make up for with heart and a joy to play the game. Challenging Bayern Munich for top spot in Group E isn’t a realistic goal, but beating Benfica to second place definitely is. In fact, my money is on the Dutch side to finish second and advance to the next round of the competition.
AEK Athens
Last but, well, definitely least, Greek champions AEK Athens are undoubtedly the biggest underdogs of the group. It would not only be shocking to see Bayern Munich drop points against AEK, but for either Benfica or Ajax to do the same.
Continuing the prevalent theme of Group E, AEK’s Olympic Stadium could prove a difficult arena to play in. But it won’t be enough to deter Niko Kovac’s men from claiming three points away from home.