The 2017/18 Champions League promises as much emotion as in each previous edition, and the premier European football competition returns with the draw for the group stage during a gala this Thursday at the Fòrum Grimaldi de Mònaco (6.00pm CET). This event will be attended by President Josep Maria Bartomeu, Executive Director Òscar Grau, the delegates of Institutional Relations with UEFA Amador Bernabeu and David Bellver, director of Sports Professionals Albert Soler, the sports manager of football Josep Segura and the director of football Raúl Sanllehí. Leo Messi and Lieke Martens will also be present as both players have been nominated for UEFA’s best player of the year.
Apart from these awards, the winners of the best goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and striker of the year in the Champions League will be known. A draw that will define Barça's three rivals in the group stage will also take place, and the Blaugrana will debut in the 2017/18 edition on either September 12th or 13th, the dates set aside for the first matchday.
This year, Kiev will host the 63rd final of the competition on May 26, 2018 at the Olympic Stadium.
