With the UEFA Champions League set to return this month, 18 Yard Box analyses the draws of the Group Stages and what the fans have to look
forward to from the early days of Europe’s elite competition.
The Champions League is back. The draws are made. The opponents decided. Now its just time for the players to step on the pitch and recreate magic. 18 Yard Box's Aman looks at the Group C of the League and gives his verdict as to who will go through to the Round of 16.
AC Milan
Arguably, one of the least exciting groups (except for their own fans), AC Milan appear slightly ahead of others in this one. Although Milan have sold most of the players, players who made them so successful in the past decade, they have replaced some of them with promising youngsters. Having said that, they are definitely going to miss the spark Ibrahimovic used to provide upfront and the defensive steel which Thiago Silva used to add to their backline. The addition of Pazzini, De Jong might refresh the squad but this could surely be called as a transition phase of the club and not much will be expected of them this season. Challenging (and losing) for the Serie A title and passage of the group stages in the Chamions League will be least expected of them and considering the opponents they face (including dark horses Malaga CF), it could be easier said than done. The experience of winning the Champions League will certainly have its effects but with most players who won them the crown now gone, this new look Milan side could certainly bite the dust earlier than expected.
The Champions League is back. The draws are made. The opponents decided. Now its just time for the players to step on the pitch and recreate magic. 18 Yard Box's Aman looks at the Group C of the League and gives his verdict as to who will go through to the Round of 16.
Group C
A.
AC Milan
|
B.
Zenit St. Petersburg
|
C.
Malaga CF
|
D.
Anderlecht
|
AC Milan
Arguably, one of the least exciting groups (except for their own fans), AC Milan appear slightly ahead of others in this one. Although Milan have sold most of the players, players who made them so successful in the past decade, they have replaced some of them with promising youngsters. Having said that, they are definitely going to miss the spark Ibrahimovic used to provide upfront and the defensive steel which Thiago Silva used to add to their backline. The addition of Pazzini, De Jong might refresh the squad but this could surely be called as a transition phase of the club and not much will be expected of them this season. Challenging (and losing) for the Serie A title and passage of the group stages in the Chamions League will be least expected of them and considering the opponents they face (including dark horses Malaga CF), it could be easier said than done. The experience of winning the Champions League will certainly have its effects but with most players who won them the crown now gone, this new look Milan side could certainly bite the dust earlier than expected.
 |
| Can De Jong bring back the lost glories ? |
Zenit St. Petersburg
Zenit St. Petersburg is one team who
have that experience of winning a European Competition and thus cannot be taken
lightly. With the recent acquiring of the Brazil international Hulk, the recently crowned Russian Champions have that spark in them which
has led them to win the League twice in last three seasons. Overcoming the
mighty rich Anzhi Makhachkala and 9 time winners Spartak Moscow, Zenit won the
championship and will want themselves to be taken seriously in the Champions
League. They made it through to the knock out stages last time around only to
lose narrowly to Benfica. Thus, one could certainly expect them to at least match
their achievements this season.
 |
| A smashing 50m pound move will see Hulk play for Zenit |
Malaga CF
With their year old owner having lost interest in the funding of new players, subsequently looking for new investors, Malaga CF are in deep financial trouble. Just about a year ago , the had players of Santi Cazorla’s calibre coming in and taking the clubs to new heights (read 4th place finish in La Liga and thus Champions League Qualification) while only one year later, those players have departed for greener pastures (Cazorla and Rondon) and are being replaced by cheaper reinforcements. Although, performances on the pitch have been decent with younger players from their academy stepping up, their first season in the Champions League is surely not expected to go long. A group stage exit is expected until the players have something different in mind.
With their year old owner having lost interest in the funding of new players, subsequently looking for new investors, Malaga CF are in deep financial trouble. Just about a year ago , the had players of Santi Cazorla’s calibre coming in and taking the clubs to new heights (read 4th place finish in La Liga and thus Champions League Qualification) while only one year later, those players have departed for greener pastures (Cazorla and Rondon) and are being replaced by cheaper reinforcements. Although, performances on the pitch have been decent with younger players from their academy stepping up, their first season in the Champions League is surely not expected to go long. A group stage exit is expected until the players have something different in mind.
 |
| Cazorla and Rondon have both left Malaga in dire state |
Anderlecht
Belgian Champions Anderlecht have always been
underwhelming when it comes to the European stage. Although their qualification
is never as issue considering they are one of the major forces in the Belgian
League, their performances in the Champions Leagues so far has let their fans
down. Having lost their most creative players in Lukaku and De Bruyne in recent
seasons, whom they have failed to replace aptly, not much will be expected from
them in their European campaign. With Lucas Biglia the lone man leading them, a third place finish which will take them to
the knock out rounds of the Europa Cup will be something their fans will be
delighted with.
THE FINAL VERDICT-
Although AC Milan might have hiccups on the way, finishing atop their group shouldn't be a problem. They still have enough firepower with the likes of Pazzini, De Jong coming in and refreshing the squad. Zenit should do enough to finish as runner up to Milan especially now that Hulk is reportedly joining their squad as the transfer window nears its end. Anderlecht, as I expect will go to the Europa League after finishing behind the Italians and the Russians where as Spanish side Malaga will finish bottom of the group which by all means will be a disappointment for their fans.
Written By,
Aman Arora
Aman is a contributor for Sportskeeda and also an Editor and writer at 18 Yard Box
 |
| Lucas Biglia is the only notable star player still at Anderlecht |
THE FINAL VERDICT-
Although AC Milan might have hiccups on the way, finishing atop their group shouldn't be a problem. They still have enough firepower with the likes of Pazzini, De Jong coming in and refreshing the squad. Zenit should do enough to finish as runner up to Milan especially now that Hulk is reportedly joining their squad as the transfer window nears its end. Anderlecht, as I expect will go to the Europa League after finishing behind the Italians and the Russians where as Spanish side Malaga will finish bottom of the group which by all means will be a disappointment for their fans.
Written By,
Aman Arora
Aman is a contributor for Sportskeeda and also an Editor and writer at 18 Yard Box
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