clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

2016/17 UEFA Champions League Draw Results and Reaction

It ain’t gonna’ be easy!

Real Sociedad de Futbol v Real Madrid CF - La Liga Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images

The UEFA Champions League draw on Thursday was filled with surprise, awkward pauses, and difficulty opening balls.

But in between all that high drama, the field for the 2016/17 UEFA Champions League draw was set, as teams including Borussia Dortmund learned their fate for the annual competition.

Borussia Dortmund found themselves drawn into Group F against defending champions Real Madrid, Sporting Portugal, and Legia Warsaw. Certainly not an easy road to the knockout rounds, but definitely a winnable group. Yes, I said winnable.

Dortmund should take five of the six group stage matches without issue, only likely to struggle away to Real Madrid.

Dortmund actually matches up well with Real Madrid historically, as evident by their semifinal victory in the 2012/13 Champions League.

Dortmund will need to keep an eye on Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale. Madrid’s defense, though talented, is definitely beatable. Getting past Keylor Navas in goal may be troublesome, but Dortmund has faced good goalkeeping in the past (Neuer) and are definitely up to the task.

As for Sporting CP, striker Islam Slimani is the most threatening player for the Portuguese side. Sporting also has a few members of Portugal’s Euro winning side the feature for the Leones.

Legia Warsaw shouldn’t be overlooked either. The squad includes various members of Poland’s Euro squad. The star for Warsaw is Hungarian striker Nemanja Nikolic who impressed in Champions League qualifying.

So there you have it, Group F. The quest to Cardiff begins in three weeks for Dortmund. Where do you think Dortmund will finish in Group F. Let us know in the comments.