We’re off to the stadium of light! Thankfully it’s not a trip up to the north-east of England but to the south of Portugal where we will face Benfica. Only yesterday a reported £10.5million bid from Everton for the Benfica defender Luisao was rejected.

The toffees were also drawn in the same group as AEK Athens, who finished third in their respective league last season after a play-off. This is seen as another great trip for Evertonians who will be off in their droves to the Greece capital.

Everton final opponents in Group I are the unknown quantity of Bate Borisov. They are the current Belarusian champions and failed to qualify for the fourth qualifying round of the Champions League. It’s a long trip to Belarus but overall I think most Evertonians will be fairly happy with the draw with a mix of quality and good away trips.

Everton will play all three teams home and away, with the top two qualifying for the knockout stage of the competition.

Group I

1.      Benfica

2.      Everton

3.      AEK Athens

4.      Bate Borisov

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