18 Yard Box looks at the Group of Death in this series of Champions League Group stages.
It seems as if the Gods have been playing mischief with Manchester City. Twice in as many years, City have been drawn into a group which not only provides drama but almost certainly provides the probability of an early elimination. A group boasting the likes of Spanish, English, Dutch and German champions (Real Madrid, Manchester City, Ajax Amsterdam and Borussia Dortmund) is sure to be deemed as the 'Group of Death'.
The chances of proceeding to the Round of 16 is 25% for each team contesting. 18 Yard Box analyses the teams involved and gives it verdict as to who will progress through.
A.
Real Madrid
|
B.
Manchester City
|
C.
Borussia Dortmund
|
D.
Ajax Amsterdam
|
Real Madrid:
The Galacticos have had a dreadful start to the season. Although they managed to pip Barcelona in their Spanish Supercup encounter, a win, a draw and a loss in the league programme have seen them drift 5 points behind Barcelona. To add to this misery Mourinho would be scratching his head as to why his team has to face the prospect of going against the Europe's elite in the group stages of the Champions League.
However, Madrid start as favourites to cross the hurdle and reach the next round. Possessing a midfield filled with stars, Madrid will be relying on their attacking style of play to take them through, The only worry for them would be their defense. Games against Manchester City and Borussia Dormtund will be tough as both the teams have excellent runners and may catch Madrid on the break. However with Albiol and Pepe forming a good central partnership, Ramos' potential can be fulfilled in the right back section. This might prove to be a winning combination for Madrid.
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Manchester City:
The Citizens have been hard done by again this season. The players got a bitter taste of Champions League last season with Napoli edging them over. This season, they might face the same fate, if their performances in the Champions League remain the same. The arrivals of Jack Rodwell (from Everton), Javi Garcia (from Benfica), Maicon (from Inter Milan) and Scott Sinclair (from Swansea) has done little to strengthen the outfit they already had. They have been bought more as a cover for the existing superstars rather than to replace them.
However City's start to the season has been quite convincing and they can take heart from it and push on for the Champions League. But they will have to do much better than their existing performance as it might not be easy for them with Dortmund and Ajax proving as a major roadblock for them.
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Borussia Dortmund:
The yellow tangerines are in their second year of European football after having dominated the German League for two successive years. Having scored a record number of points last season, Dortmund will surely be the dark horses not only in this group but also in the whole of the Champions League. Breeding players like Goetze, Lewandowski , Bender and Hummels to name a few, Dortmund look ready to challenge the big money spenders.
Jurgen Klopp must be looking forward to test his version of 'beautiful football' and will do well if his team can replicate last year's form. The only problem lies that Dortmund have lost a key soldier. The departure of the Bundesliga Player of the Year, Shinji Kagawa, to Manchester United may prove costly for the German outfit as they were heavily reliant on him. Mario Goetze could fill in for him but the too has returned from a long term injury and may take time.
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Based in the Dutch capital, Ajax is surely a team to watch out for. Throwing young stars like Christian Eriksen into the fray every year, Ajax has been accused of being a selling club. With stars like Jan Vertonghen, Thomas Vermaelen and Van der Weil being their latest departures, the newly crowned Dutch champions will find it tough to get through to the next stage of the Champions League.
Although they can be regarded as a surprise package, the departures of stars every year has taken a toll on the team and the bookies will find them favourites to finish last. The only noticeable addition is Christian Poulsen. The former Liverpool man may help provide experience beside the young star Eriksen and may prove to be useful. But this still does not give Ajax the edge over the big spenders Manchester City and Real Madrid.
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| Is Christian Poulsen a good enough signing to bail out Ajax Amsterdam? |
FINAL VERDICT
Real Madrid are favourites to top the group and advance. Manchester City might just find it tough to go forward as Dortmund are one team capable of destroying their ambitions. Both the clubs are tasting their second European outings and Dortmund, with their swift passing game, might just edge City to the next round. Ajax may have another dismal year and are touted to finish last.
Written By,
Rishabh Ghai
Rishabh Ghai is a contributor for Goal.com India and also an Editor and writer for 18 Yard Box.
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