European champions Liverpool and English champions Chelsea were drawn together, a situation made possible by UEFA not giving the Anfield club any 'country protection'.

The Reds beat the London club in last season's Champions League semi-finals, recording a 1-0 home win having drawn 0-0 at Stamford Bridge.

The two English sides will both believe they can make it through the group having been paired alongside Belgian side Anderlecht and the Andalucians of Real Betis.

Manchester United, champions in 1968 and 1999, will be favourites to come through Group D where they are drawn against the conquerors of Everton Villarreal as well as Lille and Benfica.

Arsene Wenger's Arsenal look to have the easiest draw of the four English sides. they will face four-time winners Ajax as well as Czech side Sparta Prague and Swiss runners-up FC Thun.

Champions League Group Stage

Group A
 Bayern Munich
 Juventus
 Club Brugge
 Rapid Vienna

Group B
 Arsenal
 Ajax
 Sparta Prague
 Thun

Group C
 Barcelona
 Panathinaikos
 Werder Bremen
 Udinese

Group D
 Manchester United
 Villarreal
 Lille
 Benfica

Group E
 Milan
 PSV Eindhoven
 Schalke
 Fenerbache

Group F
 Real Madrid
 Olympique Lyonnais
 Olympiacos
 Rosenborg

Group G
 Liverpool
 Chelsea
 Anderlecht
 Real Betis

Group H
 Internazionale
 Porto
 Glasgow Rangers
 Artmedia Bratislava