UEFA Champions League group-stage recap

Group A

1. Bayern: 16 points (5 wins, 1 draw, 0 loss, 12 goals for, 6 goals against)
2. Copenhagen: 8 points (2 wins, 2 draws, 2 losses, 8 goals for, 8 goals against)
3. Galatasaray: 5 points (1 win, 2 draws, 3 losses, 10 goals for, 13 goals against)
4. Manchester United: 4 points (1 win, 1 draw, 4 losses, 12 goals for, 15 goals against)

Bayern Munich and Copenhagen qualified for the next round from this group. Bayern Munich finished first with 16 points and Copenhagen followed with 8 points.

The Danes surprised everyone by qualifying for the Round of 16 for only the second time in their history (2010/11). This was just Copenhagen's sixth UCL group-stage appearance (2006–07, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2016–17, 2022–23 and 2023–24). As a young club – established in 1992 – we can say that it has achieved success for its country.

Galatasaray erned 5 points in six games in this group stage for third place and will continue to fight in the Europa League. As for Manchester United, the Red Devils were unlucky against Bayern in the final game and collected only 4 points to finish last.

Group B

1. Arsenal: 13 points (4 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss, 16 goals for, 4 goals against)
2. PSV Eindhoven: 9 points (2 wins, 3 draws, 1 loss, 8 goals for, 10 goals against)
3. RC Lens: 8 points (2 wins, 2 draws, 2 losses, 6 goals for, 11 goals against)
4. Sevilla: 2 points (0 wins, 2 draws, 4 losses, 7 goals for, 12 goals against)

In Group B of the UEFA Champions League, Arsenal dominated the stage with 13 points, securing top spot with impressive performances. The Gunners displayed their attacking prowess, scoring 16 goals and conceding only 4 throughout the group stage.

PSV Eindhoven claimed the second spot in the group with 9 points, showcasing a balanced performance with two wins and three draws. Although they faced some challenges, their overall efforts were enough to secure progression to the knockout stage.

RC Lens finished third in the group with 8 points, having secured two wins and two draws. Despite a valiant effort, they fell short of reaching the top two spots but can take pride in a solid campaign.

Sevilla, unfortunately, had a tough run in the group stage, failing to secure a single win and ending with only 2 points. Their journey in this season's Champions League comes to an end and they will not progress to the knockout rounds.

Group C

1. Real Madrid: 18 points (6 wins, 0 draws, 0 losses, 16 goals for, 7 goals against)
2. Napoli: 10 points (3 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses, 10 goals for, 9 goals against)
3. Braga: 4 points (1 win, 1 draw, 4 losses, 6 goals for, 12 goals against)
4. FC Union Berlin: 2 points (0 wins, 2 draws, 4 losses, 6 goals for, 10 goals against)

Showing absolute dominance, Real Madrid asserted their supremacy in Group C, claiming a perfect record of six wins. The Spanish giants showcased their attacking flair, netting 16 goals while maintaining a solid defensive record with 7 goals against.

Napoli secured the second spot in the group with 10 points, displaying a resilient performance with three wins and one draw. The Italian side faced some tough opposition but did enough to ensure progression to the knockout stage.

Braga, despite a valiant effort, finished third in the group with 4 points, securing one win and one draw. While falling short of a top-two finish, they will have the opportunity to continue their European campaign in the Europa League.

FC Union Berlin had a challenging group stage, finishing at the bottom with 2 points from two draws. Unfortunately, they will not progress to the next stage but will gain valuable experience for future campaigns.

Group D

1. Real Sociedad: 12 points (3 wins, 3 draws, 0 losses, 7 goals for, 2 goals against)
2. Inter Milan: 12 points (3 wins, 3 draws, 0 losses, 8 goals for, 5 goals against)
3. Benfica: 4 points (1 win, 1 draw, 4 losses, 7 goals for, 11 goals against)
4. Red Bull Salzburg: 4 points (1 win, 1 draw, 4 losses, 4 goals for, 8 goals against)

Group D witnessed a tight competition, with both Real Sociedad and Inter Milan securing an identical record of 12 points. Real Sociedad showcased defensive solidity, conceding only 2 goals and maintaining an unbeaten run in the group stage.

Inter Milan, equally impressive, secured their place in the Round of 16 with a balanced performance, scoring 8 goals and conceding 5. The Italian giants navigated the group without a defeat, setting the stage for an exciting knockout stage campaign as they seek to return to the UCL final for a second straight season.

Benfica and Red Bull Salzburg faced a challenging group stage, both finishing with 4 points. Benfica secured one win and one draw, while Red Bull Salzburg faced difficulties, managing one win and one draw as well. According to the results of the games played between these two teams, Benfica will continue in the Europa League, while Red Bull Salzburg bid farewell to this fight.

Group E

1. Atletico Madrid: 14 points (4 wins, 2 draws, 0 losses, 17 goals for, 6 goals against)
2. Lazio: 10 points (3 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses, 7 goals for, 7 goals against)
3. Feyenoord: 6 points (2 wins, 0 draws, 4 losses, 9 goals for, 10 goals against)
4. Celtic: 4 points (1 win, 1 draw, 4 losses, 5 goals for, 15 goals against)

In a commanding performance, Atletico Madrid secured the top spot in Group E, amassing 14 points with four wins and two draws. The Spanish side demonstrated both offensive prowess, scoring 17 goals and defensive resilience, conceding only 6.

Lazio clinched the second spot in the group with 10 points, showcasing a balanced effort with three wins and one draw. Despite facing some challenges, the Italian side's overall performance was enough to secure a place in the knockout rounds.

Feyenoord had a mixed campaign, finishing third in the group with 6 points from two wins. Although falling short of the top two, they will now look forward to making an impact in the Europa League.

Celtic faced a tough group stage, finishing at the bottom with 4 points. Despite securing one win and one draw, they were unable to progress to the next stage and will shift their focus to domestic competitions.

Group F

1. Borussia Dortmund: 11 points (3 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss, 7 goals for, 4 goals against)
2. Paris Saint-Germain: 8 points (2 wins, 2 draws, 2 losses, 9 goals for, 8 goals against)
3. AC Milan: 8 points (2 wins, 2 draws, 2 losses, 5 goals for, 8 goals against)
4. Newcastle United: 5 points (1 win, 2 draws, 3 losses, 6 goals for, 7 goals against)

In Group F, Borussia Dortmund emerged as the leader, securing the top spot with 11 points. Their performance showcased a blend of attacking prowess and defensive solidity, scoring 7 goals while conceding only 4.

Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan finished level on points, both securing 8 points. PSG claimed the second spot with a superior goal difference, having scored 9 goals and conceding 8. AC Milan, despite a valiant effort, fell short.

Newcastle United faced a tough group stage, finishing with 5 points. Despite securing one win and two draws, they were unable to secure a top-two spot and will now shift their focus to other competitions.

This was not “The Group of Death” for nothing. Until the last day, it was not known who would advance to the next round and who would remain in the group, except for Dortmund. AC Milan's relegation to the Europa League for the first time in their history after failing to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League was disappointing for I Rossoneri.

Group G

1. Manchester City: 18 points (6 wins, 0 draws, 0 losses, 18 goals for, 7 goals against)
2. RB Leipzig: 12 points (4 wins, 0 draws, 2 losses, 13 goals for, 10 goals against)
3. BSC Young Boys: 4 points (1 win, 1 draw, 4 losses, 7 goals for, 13 goals against)
4. Crvena Zvezda: 1 point (0 wins, 1 draw, 5 losses, 7 goals for, 15 goals against)

In an exceptional display of dominance, defending champions Manchester City conquered Group G with a perfect record of six wins, the only other club outside of Real Madrid to go “6 for 6.” The English side exhibited their attacking prowess, scoring 18 goals and demonstrating defensive solidity with only 7 goals conceded.

RB Leipzig secured the second spot in the group with 12 points from four wins, securing their place in the Round of 16. The German side showcased resilience and attacking flair throughout the group stage.

BSC Young Boys finished third in the group with 4 points, securing one win and one draw. Although falling short of the top two, they will now set their sights on the Europa League.

Crvena Zvezda faced a challenging group stage, finishing at the bottom with 1 point from a draw. The Serbian side will now look to regroup and prepare for future campaigns.

Group H

1. Barcelona: 12 points (4 wins, 0 draws, 2 losses, 12 goals for, 6 goals against)
2. FC Porto: 12 points (4 wins, 0 draws, 2 losses, 15 goals for, 8 goals against)
3. Shakhtar Donetsk: 9 points (3 wins, 0 draws, 3 losses, 10 goals for, 12 goals against)
4. Antwerp: 3 points (1 win, 0 draws, 5 losses, 6 goals for, 17 goals against)

Group H was a closely contested battle, with Barcelona and FC Porto both finishing on 12 points, securing the top two spots in the group.

FC Porto secured their place in the final 16 with a commanding performance, netting 15 goals and displaying defensive resilience. The Portuguese side sets the stage for an exciting knockout stage campaign.

Shakhtar Donetsk had a solid showing in the group, finishing third with 9 points from three wins. The Ukrainian side showcased their ability to compete at the highest level and they will continue their European journey in the Europa League.

Antwerp faced a challenging group stage, finishing at the bottom with 3 points from one win. The Belgian side will now regroup and focus on domestic competitions.

Thrills, Surprises and the Road Ahead

The group stage of the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 has wrapped up, leaving us with standout performances and unexpected turns.

Real Madrid and Manchester City dominated their respective groups with flawless records, showcasing their championship caliber.

Surprises came from the likes of Copenhagen, making only their second appearance in the Round of 16, while traditional giants like Manchester United and AC Milan faced disappointments.

As we shift our focus to the knockout rounds, the stage is set for intense battles and thrilling clashes, reminding football fans worldwide why the Champions League is the pinnacle of club football.