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5 must-see matches in the Champions League group stage

Reuters

The Champions League group stage draw set the stage for another captivating season of the world's most popular club competition.

For most teams, Thursday's draw provided a look at the unknown, and potentially hostile, territories they'll venture to, while other pairings offer a chance for teams to reignite old rivalries.

Here are the top matches to look forward to during this year's Champions League group stage:

Real Madrid vs. Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund may have come out as the victor in the last meeting, but it was Real Madrid who enjoyed the spoils with a 3-2 aggregate triumph in the quarterfinals of the 2013-14 tournament.

With the passing of time, however, few things have changed: Real Madrid continues to employ the world's top players, while Borussia Dortmund trots out some of the best young talent in Europe.

The seesaw battle between the two in 2014 could repeat itself in a tie that punters will likely avoid due to the unpredictable nature of clashes between Real and Borussia on the European stage.

Last meeting: Borussia Dortmund 2, Real Madrid 0 (April 2014)

Manchester City vs. Barcelona

No matter where he is, Pep Guardiola can't seem to escape Barcelona.

After bowing out of the Champions League two years ago, when Bayern Munich suffered a 5-3 aggregate loss to Barcelona, the Catalan boss will get a chance at redemption when his new team, Manchester City, clashes with the Spanish champions.

There won't be a shortage of talking points leading up to the two meetings, as pundits and neutral supporters gear up for what will undoubtedly be the most anticipated clashes in the group stage.

Last meeting: Barcelona 1, Manchester City 0 (March 2015)

Paris Saint-Germain vs. Arsenal

There was a massive sigh of relief in north London when Arsenal managed to avoid teams named Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

However, similar to last season, when Arsenal also avoided the two European powerhouses, the Gunners were drawn in a group that offers at least two massively challenging fixtures.

The most anticipated match is easily an encounter with Paris Saint-Germain, as the French champions will go up against Arsenal for the first time in more than 20 years.

Last meeting: Arsenal 1, Paris Saint-Germain 0 (April 1994)

Juventus vs. Sevilla

Defending its Europa League title won't be the goal this season, as Sevilla aims to finally advance out of the group stage of the Champions League.

The Spanish side's biggest obstacle is a familiar foe, as another meeting with Juventus will be the match circled on everyone's calendar.

Similar to last season, when the sides traded victories, the two clubs could be in for another pair of matches where home-field advantage will play a significant role.

Last meeting: Sevilla 1, Juventus 0 (December 2015)

Bayern Munich vs. Atletico Madrid

Bayern Munich has two chances at redemption in a rematch of last year's semifinal tie against Atletico Madrid.

Despite Bayern's second-leg victory, Saul Niguez's stunning goal proved to be the difference, as his solo effort secured a victory in the first match, and ultimately paved a path to the final.

Related - Watch: Saul Niguez humiliates Bayern defence with stunning solo goal

Both sides have gone undergone summer upgrades, which should set the stage for another captivating series of matches.

Last meeting: Bayern Munich 2, Atletico Madrid 1 (May 2016)

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