When does the Champions League start and what are the groups?

The Champions League is set to return in this month as Manchester City will look to successfully retain their title.

Pep Guardiola's side defeated Serie A side Inter Milan 1-0 in the final back in June - with midfielder Rodri scoring the only goal of the game.

The 2023-24 campaign will feature Union Berlin, who will be competing in the competition for the first time in their history. Newcastle United booked their place in the group stage for the first time since the 2002-03 season. Dutch side Feyenoord will also be competing after they won the Eredivisie last season, finishing seven points ahead of PSV.

City, Manchester United and Newcastle have all named their squads for this season's group stage, while Arsenal are still yet to announce theirs.

Mail Sport breaks down everything you need to know ahead of the Champions League group stage.

The first matchday of the 2023-24 Champions League group stage will take place on the 19/20 of September.

Newcastle will begin their Champions League group stage with a trip to Serie A giants AC Milan.

Reigning champions Manchester City begin with a home game against Red Star Belgrade, while Erik ten Hag's United face a tough trip to Bayern Munich in their opening game.

On their return to the competition, Mikel Arteta's Arsenal face PSV Eindhoven at the Emirates.

This season's group stage will draw to a close on December 13.

The dates for this season's Champions League group stage is as follows

Newcastle have been handed the 'group of death' upon their return to the competition.

The Magpies have been drawn in the same group as Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan.

Pep Guardiola's City will face Leipzig, Red Star Belgrade and Young Boys. United will come up against Harry Kane as they