The Champions League groups have been drawn in Monaco. It’s going to be tough for Borussia Dortmund. The overview.

Hans-Joachim Watzke didn’t let on when former French international Eric Abidal drew the lot with the fat F from the pot. But the managing director of Borussia Dortmund knew in the Grimaldi Forum in Monte Carlo what it meant: a really tough Champions League group for BVB.

The French champions Paris Saint-Germain, for years supported by Qatar, were already in Dortmund’s group. Later, AC Milan from Italy and the English club Newcastle United, pimped by Saudi Arabian millions, were to join them. Dortmund’s mission to get past the first round starts on 19/20 September. “We know that we have to perform exceptionally well to progress. We hope so, of course,” Watzke said afterwards on Sky. “They are three absolute top opponents.”

BVB will also be up against some former Dortmund professionals: Ousmane Dembele, Achraf Hakimi (both Paris Saint-Germain), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan) and Alexander Isak (Newcastle United) are also in Group F.

Record champions Bayern Munich have had it much easier. The opponents: Manchester United (England), FC Copenhagen (Denmark) and Galatasaray Istanbul.