UEFA Champions League Draw: Benfica “On the Pirate Ship,” Death Group Returns, Executives in Shock

On August 29 (Beijing time), the draw for the new UEFA Champions League group stage was revealed. As always, the ceremony brought joy to some clubs and despair to others. Among them, Portuguese giants Benfica have arguably drawn the worst lot, facing what many call a nightmare schedule.

Benfica’s “Group of Death”

As a Pot 2 team, Benfica might have hoped to avoid the strongest sides. Instead, their opponents are:

• Real Madrid (home)
• Chelsea (away)
• Bayer Leverkusen (home)
• Juventus (away)
• Napoli (home)
• Ajax (away)
• Qarabag (home)
• Newcastle United (away)

Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Juventus are undisputed giants; Leverkusen and Napoli are reigning domestic champions; Ajax and Newcastle, though not traditional heavyweights, remain highly dangerous. Realistically, the only opponent Benfica might beat is Qarabag.

No wonder Benfica’s executives reportedly looked stunned at the draw, with fans joking: “This draw is enough to make anyone lose the will to fight.”

Strong Form, But an Uphill Battle

Ironically, Benfica have started the season in fine form: 7 matches, 6 wins and 1 draw, including victory over Sporting CP in the Super Cup and a clean sweep against Nice in the Champions League qualifiers. Yet this “dream start” seems overshadowed by their nightmare group.

Other Tough Draws: PSG and Frankfurt

Benfica are not alone. Paris Saint-Germain and Eintracht Frankfurt also face daunting paths:

• PSG’s opponents: Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Atalanta, Leverkusen, Tottenham, Sporting CP, Newcastle United, Athletic Bilbao.
• Frankfurt’s opponents: Liverpool, Barcelona, Atalanta, Atlético Madrid, Tottenham, Napoli, Galatasaray, Qarabag.

For both sides, almost every game is a high-stakes battle.

Conclusion: The Curse of the Group of Death

The Champions League has always produced “Groups of Death,” but this season’s draw makes Benfica the most unlucky team. Their ability to survive will be the ultimate test of their strength. PSG and Frankfurt, meanwhile, must also brace for a brutal campaign.

📌 As fans quipped: “The Champions League isn’t a tournament this year—it’s a survival game.”