Liverpool draw Rangers in Champions League group stages, Man City get Borussia Dortmund

Liverpool and Rangers will face off in a British Champions League group round matchup; Erling Haaland is planning a reunion with Borussia Dortmund; Milan, Salzburg, and Zagreb are in Group E with Chelsea. Spurs drew favorable draws against Frankfurt, Sporting, and Marseille; Real Madrid and Celtic are paired together in Group F.
After being placed in Group A, Liverpool and Rangers will face off in a matchup of British teams in the Champions League.

The Scottish team will play the Reds for the first time in a competitive encounter as well as group games against Dutch champions Ajax and Italian team Napoli after defeating PSV on Wednesday to advance to the group stages.
After being put in Group G with Borussia Dortmund, Sevilla, and FC Copenhagen, Manchester City, the season's runner-up, will quickly reunite with his previous team.
The 2021 champions were placed in Group E alongside AC Milan, where they will face former defender Fikayo Tomori. In addition to playing Salzburg and Dinamo Zagreb, Thomas Tuchel's team will be the favorites to advance to the knockout round.

Tottenham, which reached the finals in 2019 and is participating in the tournament for the first time since 2020, was drawn in Group D with the champions of the Europa League, Eintracht Frankfurt, Sporting Lisbon, and Marseille.
For the first time since 2017, Scottish champions Celtic will play holders of the Champions League Real Madrid in a glamorous encounter in Group F, in addition to games against RB Leipzig and Shakhtar Donetsk.

Champions League group-stage draw in full

Group A: Ajax, Liverpool, Napoli, Rangers.
Group B: Porto, Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Club Brugge.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Inter Milan, V Plzen.
Group D: Frankfurt, Tottenham, Sporting, Marseille.
Group E: AC Milan, Chelsea, Salzburg, Dinamo Zagreb.
Group F: Real Madrid, Leipzig, Shakhtar Donetsk, Celtic.
Group G: Man City, Sevilla, Borussia Dortmund, Copenhagen.
Group H: PSG, Juventus, Benfica, Maccabi Haifa

Klopp: A proper challenge

Jurgen Klopp, manager of Liverpool, said on the team's website:

"It should be noted right away that this is a genuine challenge. All of the teams have talent, a strong history, and, in my opinion, a chance. The good news is that we agree, making it reasonable for us to welcome the challenge and give it a go.

"The level is usually extraordinarily high, so this is not a competition where you can search for shortcuts through. We didn't ask for any favors, and we haven't been granted any either.

"This year, however, the group stage will be shorter than normal, so we must be prepared for a variety of demands and rhythms in addition to the opposition's caliber.

"Rangers are a new foe for us, but we are also familiar with them. Given the teams they faced in the qualifying rounds, they performed very well to advance to the group stage of the tournament throughout the last several years.

"We are also familiar with a few of their guys. It would be beneficial to compete against them since Ben Davies is only getting started with Rangers and Ryan Kent has made excellent strides since going to Scotland."

Boyd: Liverpool Group A favourites | Rangers have a chance of progressing

"I believe that you are simply thrilled to be there when you reach this round of the tournament.

"I'm sure the guys are looking forward to Liverpool, a battle of Britain. Being back in the top tier of European play after a protracted absence is a tremendous opportunity for Rangers. The Europa League final appearance last year gave Ajax and Napoli more confidence, but the whole group is strong thanks to their inclusion.

It might have been a lot worse for some of the groups, but it will be challenging. I'm sure Calvin Bassey is looking forward to returning to Ibrox with Ajax so soon after departing for that significant transfer price. With two teams with storied histories facing off, Liverpool will be a spectacular event that everyone will be watching. Napoli has had a strong start to the season and finished third in Serie A last year. Liverpool is predicted to take first place in the group, and for the others, we'll have to wait and see. Rangers, though, will have a shot.

"We have heard several elite athletes talk about Champions League evenings at Celtic Park and Ibrox in Glasgow. It follows you always. They are two unique stadiums that provide some noise and ambiance. It has been a while, so I'm sure Rangers will be eager to welcome the teams they have coming. Everyone has spoken about how the atmosphere affected the Europa League, and we saw it once again against Union to eliminate them from the Champions League qualifying rounds, so I believe it may have a significant impact. The Rangers supporters will simply be looking forward to hearing that Champions League song again because it's been a long, long time coming, but the players, particularly at Liverpool, are accustomed to playing in a huge environment.

"I believe that you are simply thrilled to be there when you reach this round of the tournament.

Moritz Jenz, a defender for Celtic, said on Sky Sports News:

"It is without a doubt a great attraction. I believe the supporters have been fantasizing about seeing the current Winners League champions play at Celtic Park. Real Madrid is well known as the dominant force in the Champions League, and their victory will be fantastic. We are anticipating playing at Celtic Park, where we feel at home.

"I predict a challenging game, but we'll work hard, we'll do our best, and I believe the atmosphere at home will give us a chance.

"It's a really competitive bunch that is also quite fascinating. They are all excellent teams, but we will remain focused and diligent. I believe we need to respect the other teams. It will be challenging since they are all outstanding sides, but we are certain that we will have our opportunities and will seize them.

"I have heard from the other players about the Champions League evenings at Celtic Park, so I am really looking forward to that. I have been following the matches on YouTube, like Barcelona. I just cannot wait to hear the Champions League song and the thunderous clamor that precedes it. I'm anticipating it and think it'll be fantastic. You have to be here, and it will be wonderful, in my opinion.

"We'll play our brand of aggressive football, show courage, and give it our all. Every player, in my opinion, has a dream of scoring in the Champions League, so if I have the opportunity, I'll do it and enjoy the moment to the fullest."