Champions League script for draw spotted moments before group stages decided

31 August 2023 , 19:05

775     0

The Champions League group stages were decided on Thursday night

Fans have spotted the exact script used by the presenters of the Champions League draw moments before it even begun.

UEFA held their annual event to decide on the group stages, which was presented by Pedro Pinto and Reshmin Chowdhury. The latter posted on social media to give an insight into her role with a snap of an iPad, which shows the words she was supposed to say when called upon.

The words on the script read: "Thank you Giorgio. So we now have our first teams in their groups. Let's take a look at the clubs in Pot 2." That was the exact phrase she used when called upon, highlighting how she was very much sticking to the script on Thursday evening.

It all went according to plan - unlike several years ago when a mishap meant the entire knockout draw had to be redone. Newcastle, returning to the Champions League for the first time in twenty years, have been stuck into the Group of Death and face a daunting task if they are to qualify.

The Magpies, who have continued to invest, bringing in the likes of Sandro Tonali, will face PSG, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan. Manchester United have also been paired with a European heavyweight and will welcome Bayern Munich to Old Trafford.

Man Utd and Arsenal learn Champions League draw pots ahead of return next season

Copenhagen and Galatasaray are also in their group but it's their clash with the Germans, whom they beat in the 1999 Champions League final, that has captured the attention. Harry Kane is Bayern's marquee signing this summer and he was also on United's radar.

The group stage draw was held in Monaco (UEFA via Getty Images)

Reshmin Chowdhury's social media post gave an insight into what she would say

Holders Manchester City, aiming to become just the second team in the Champions League era to retain their crown, have been handed a favourable draw with RB Leipzig, Red Star Belgrade and BSC Young Boys for company. Arsenal too will be heavy favourites to progress from their group having been paired with Europa League winners Sevilla, PSV Eindhoven and Lens.

Elsewhere Real Madrid, who were in Pot 2, are in a group with Napoli, Braga and Union Berlin. Last year's beaten finalists Inter Milan have been paired with Benfica, RB Salzburg and Real Sociedad.

Samuel Meade