4 Champions League Matches We Can't Wait to See

When one thinks of the Champions League, they think of the big name clubs like Manchester United and Barcelona facing off in a match that would have never taken place outside the Champions League.

Well, another year of excitement has rolled in and all the clubs are ready for their first group stage matches. 

Let the games begin.

If you would like to know the official group draws, here they are.

4. Arsenal vs Borussia Dortmund

Date: 9/13

Key Players: Arteta and Mertesacker (Arsenal) and Barrios and Kehl (Dortmund)

This is an exciting match because it consists of two teams that are almost equal to one another. While Dortmund finished first in the Bundesliga and Arsenal finished fourth in the EPL, it is obvious their is more competition in the EPL. 

Arsenal lost two of their biggest talents during the transfer window and haven't been performing at their usual standards. On the brighter side, they did acquire Arteta from Everton and Mertesacker from Werder Bremen. It will be interesting to see if Arsenal can rebound and get back in the game after a string of embarrassing losses to rival Premier League teams.

3. Real Madrid vs Lyon

Date: 10/18

Key Players: Ozil and Higuain (Real Madrid) and Gourcuff and Lloris (Lyon)

Rematch time. These two teams faced off last year in one of the best series. Real Madrid just barely defeated Lyon after a hard-fought battle. While both teams have one rising prospect, Ozil and Gourcuff, it will be interesting to see which one plays better.

There is one way that Real Madrid can easily pull off a victory against this French team. If Cristiano Ronaldo starts to play for his team and less individually, they might even be a challenge for reigning champions Barcelona. Unfortunately, this probably won't happen considering the size of Ronaldo's ego.

It will be interesting to see if Madrid let Higuain, one of their better strikers, have more playing time. He is going to waste sitting on the bench. He would be quite the wingman next to Ronaldo on the front line.  

2. Barcelona vs AC Milan

Date: 9/13

Key Players: Fabregas and Messi (Barcelona) and Ibrahimović and Mexes (AC Milan)

What a match—the best teams from two different leagues playing in a group matchup. While many, almost everyone, may think that Milan don't stand a chance, they are probably right. It is hard, even for the most dedicated Milan fan to say there is a large possibility that Milan triumph over Barcelona. Barcelona will easily win against Milan, but it will still be fun to see how Milan perform against the best team in the world.

One of the things to watch is newcomer Cesc Fabregas. Recently departed from Arsenal, he is poised to make an impact on a team he has been wanting to become a part of forever.

It will also be fun to see Lionel Messi, the best footballer in the world, against Ibrahimović, another one of the world's best, face off.  

1. Bayern Munich vs Manchester City

Date: 9/27

Key Players: Muller and Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich) and Tevez and Nasri (Manchester City)

Here we are—the most exciting match of this year's group stages. Bayern Munich vs Manchester City, Two rising teams that will both do amazingly this season. 

Manchester City acquired French talent Nasri from Arsenal and have been dominating the EPL, going undefeated so far. Bayern Munich are also doing much better than last season. It will be very interesting to see two rising powers facing off like this on an international field.