Group D looks like a predictable one in this season’s Champions League. European powerhouses Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid are the favourites to progress to the knockout stages of the competition.

The group also consists of PSV Eindhoven, who reached the last 16 stage of the competition. However, It would be really surprising if they manage to go past the group stages this time. Less known Russian team Rostov have also qualified in the Champions League this year. And, have been put up against very difficult opponents.

Given the last few years stats, Bayern have often fallen short against Simeone’s men, but under Ancelloti things could turn different for the German Champions.

Predicted finish: Bayern Munich (1), Atletico Madrid (2), PSV Eindhoven (3), Rostov (4).

Clubs

Bayern Munich

The Bavarian giants have been denied of the Champions League glory for 3 seasons now. Having been eliminated by Atletico in the semi-finals last season, they would want to settle the score this time around.

Bayern, under Ancelotti look very strong. The squad looks outstanding, full of leaders on the pitch. They have strengthened their defence with the signing of Mats Hummels. Renato Sanches, who had an impressive Euro 2016 has also joined in midfield.

With key players like Thomas Muller, Robert Lewandowski, Jerome Boeteng and Arturo Vidal in the team. They are one of the favourites to win this year’s competitions (like most other campaigns).

Last season: Semi-finals

Best performance: Winners (1973/74, 1974/75, 1975/76, 2000/01, 2012/13)

Atletico Madrid

Atletico are arguably the most robust team in Europe right now. The pain of losing two finals in three seasons to their city rivals could be the catalyst for them going for glory again. Antoine Griezmann would be the key man once again this season after having a fantastic season and the Euros. Diego Godin’s leadership at the back, Gabi’s presence in midfield and Fernando Torres’s experience would be heavily relied upon.

New signings Kevin Gameiro, Nicolas Gaitan and Sime Vrsalijko will add more strength to this already strong squad.

Last season: Runners-up

Best performance: Runners-up (1973/74, 2013/14, 2015/16)

PSV Eindhoven

The Dutch champions enjoyed a good run in the Champions League last season. But with two huge teams in the group, it is unlikely that they will go through. They should be aiming to get a third place finish and enter the knockout stages of the Europa League.

Luuk de Jong, Luciano Narsingh and Jetro Willems are the key players in this team.

Last season: Round of 16

Best performance: Winners (1987/88)

Rostov

The Russian club will be making their first appearance in the Champions League. They are an unknown entity to football fans outside Russia. They made their way into the group stages after a miraculous win over Ajax in the play-offs of the Champions League.

The group is a very tough one for them, and it is highly unlikely that they will progress in the competition. If they could somehow finish 3^rd in the group stages, it would be a commendable achievement.

Sardar Azmoun was the top scorer for Rostov last season. They would be hoping he would score some important goals in the competition.

Last season: N/A

Best performance: N/A

Key fixtures

Atletico and Bayern, both on their day, are unbeatable teams. The battle for first place in the group will be very close for sure. The last game week in the group stages would be a very interesting one with Bayern hosting Atletico. It could be the deciding match of the group.

But, that is not the only key fixture to look at in this group. Unknown entity Rostov can pack a surprise against PSV in the second game week, when they host the Dutch.