The Champions League is the pinnacle of European football, where the best teams from across the continent clash in a battle for supremacy. While the competition is known for its thrilling matches and stunning upsets, some of the biggest clubs in the world have fallen victim to the group stages. In this article, we will take a look at the 10 biggest clubs to have been knocked out of the Champions League group stages.
First on the list is Barcelona, who were eliminated in the 2020-21 season. The Catalan giants were expected to breeze through the group stages, but a series of disappointing performances saw them finish third behind Juventus and Dynamo Kyiv. This was a major shock to the football world, as Barcelona had been one of the dominant forces in the Champions League for over a decade.
Another big-name club to have been eliminated in the group stages is Manchester United. The Red Devils were knocked out in the 2019-20 season, finishing third behind Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund. This was a major setback for the club, who had been expected to challenge for the title.
Other notable clubs to have been eliminated in the group stages include AC Milan, who were knocked out in the 2013-14 season, and Liverpool, who suffered a similar fate in the 2014-15 season. These upsets are a testament to the competitiveness of the Champions League, where even the biggest clubs can fall victim to the group stages.
In addition to these big-name clubs, other teams to have been knocked out in the group stages include Chelsea, Arsenal, and Inter Milan. These clubs have all experienced the disappointment of being eliminated from the competition at an early stage, and will be looking to bounce back in future seasons.
The Champions League is known for its unpredictability, and the group stages are often filled with shocks and surprises. While the biggest clubs in the world often dominate the competition, there is always the possibility of an upset. As the 2022-23 season gets underway, football fans around the world will be eagerly anticipating the group stages, and wondering which big-name clubs will fall victim to the unpredictable nature of the Champions League.
In conclusion, the Champions League group stages have seen some of the biggest clubs in the world fall victim to elimination. From Barcelona to Manchester United, these upsets are a reminder that the competition is always full of surprises. As the 2022-23 season progresses, we can expect to see more shocks and surprises, and only time will tell which clubs will emerge victorious.