The Draw for the New Champions League Favors Spanish Football, Except for Debutant Girona

The draw for the new Champions League, expanded to 36 teams and featuring a revolutionary league format in the first phase instead of groups, smiled on Spanish football this Thursday, although it was tough on the debutant. The draw was kind to Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atlético, but not to Girona, which will face, in addition to PSG, historic clubs like Liverpool and Milan as well as some of the most challenging opponents from each pot.

At first glance, the Catalan team will have the most difficult path among La Liga representatives to reach the round of 16. Madrid, Barça, and Atlético, however, have more than enough capability to qualify among the top eight in the league phase. This would allow them to avoid a preliminary round of 32 in January, which is reserved for those finishing between 9th and 24th place.

Without fratricidal matchups in this league format, the four Spanish representatives avoided the most formidable enemy, Manchester City. However, they will still face hurdles along the way in a Champions League that has emerged as a response to the Super League threat and promises to be more competitive and exciting in its initial phase. For Europe's kingpins, Barça and Atlético, reaching the first knockout stage is an obligation.

With coinciding adversaries such as Borussia Dortmund (current runner-up), Atalanta (Europa League champion), Liverpool, and Benfica, the draw—conducted by Gianluigi Buffon and Cristiano Ronaldo as masters of ceremonies—was fairly favorable except for Girona. The Catalan club has taken a step back this season and will debut in a tournament that is too demanding for such a limited squad when the calendar is now even more congested.