At most major football competitions, one group is drawn which elicits more ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ from fans and pundits than any other. For the neutral, this response to a high concentration of quality teams comes from a place of excitement and anticipation. For those whose teams are directly affected though, the so-called ‘group of death’ is only a source of worry and anguish.
This year’s Champions League draw provided us with just that scenario. Comprising PSG, Newcastle United, AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund, when Group F was announced, it was clear that this was the one: The one which even the experts would struggle to predict who is going to get out alive.
Using squad value data from Transfermarkt, Statista has been able to quantify the extent to which Group F can be considered the ‘group of death’. While there are other less quantifiable factors to consider aside from value, the numbers certainly do support the initial fan and media reaction.
With a combined value of €2.63 billion, the gap to the next most-valuable group underlines the point. At a still formidable €2.09 billion, Group A could be considered a walk in the park, comparatively speaking. The lack of balance at this stage of the competition is even more pronounced when looking at Group E though, where clubs combine to give a total value of €1.05 billion.
