Champions League: Teams that could surprise in the group stage

Last year's semi-finalists Ajax will be aiming to perform extraordinarily once again.

The youthful Dutch team is placed alongside Lille, Chelsea and Valencia.

Chelsea and Valencia look strong on paper. But going by Ajax's spirit and the vibrancy in play, they could go on to do well.

They lost Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt in the summer.

But don't write Ajax off.

Group F is this season's 'Group of death' and things could go down the wire.

Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund look like the ultimate teams to cause trouble.

But one cannot write Inter off.

The Italian side under new manager Antonio Conte could usurp things.

Star players Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez could make the ultimate difference in helping Inter achieve their goal.

Bayer Leverkusen could be a tricky opponent in Group D.

The likes of Juventus and Atletico Madrid are expected to progress through.

However, given the quality in ranks at the German club, things could take a turn.

Bayer will need to make this home a fortress and be solid.

One or two positive results away from home could see them in the mix.

German club RB Leipzig is placed in an open group and things could go down to the last matchday here.

Lyon, Zenit and Benfica all have what it takes to qualify.

However, Leipzig have got off to a strong start in 2019-20 and confidence will be a strong factor.

They will rely on someone like a Timo Werner for the threat upfront.