We knew it was going to happen in one group, but many had predicted that the gods of fate would decree that Cristiano Ronaldo should return to Manchester United.

Not so. While Ronaldo avoided the potential aggravation of playing against his old side, some of the summer's other biggest transfers were not so lucky.

Ronaldo's new Real team-mate Kaka will return to the San Siro to face an AC Milan still suffering after losing their gem. The Italian side are back in the competition after a year's absence, but their pre-season form suggests that they have not yet come to terms with the gaping hole left by the brilliant Brazilian.

The summer's other big story - the swap deal between Inter Milan and reigning champions Barcelona involving Samuel Eto'o and Zlatan Ibrahimovic - has also caused a stir in Group F. While Kaka is likely to be given a hero’s welcome at Milan (despite this being the same group of fans that booed Paolo Maldini at the end of his career), Eto'o and Ibra will not get such a warm reception.

Both have spoken out over various issues during their final days at their former clubs and the swap deal of the decade seemed suited to both parties. Ibrahimovic has been criticised for his role in big matches - most notably the Champions League - and Eto'o has been brought in to help Inter Milan win a competition in which they have failed to make much of an impression in the past. One of the two will surely surpass the other.

For the English sides, Manchester United look to have the worst draw. While their squad depth and experience in the competition suggests that they should progress, an away trip to the cauldron of Besiktas and the frozen pitch of CSKA Moscow won't be welcomed. They have also managed to pick up the hardest team from Pot 4 - Wolfsburg.

The German side, with Edin Dzeko and Grafite up front, will provide United with a stiff test; but not one that they can't overcome.

Liverpool, too, are in a difficult position as an impressive new-look Lyon and Fiorentina stand in their way. The French side smashed eight goals past Anderlecht in the qualifiers, with Lisandro Lopez looking an incredible signing, and Fiorentina (although not so impressive) will also provide stubborn opposition. Hungarian side Debreceni may not push them too hard, but if Romanian minnows FC Cluj were anything to go by last year then Liverpool may have to tread carefully.

The other two English teams, Chelsea and Arsenal, will be laughing. Chelsea's toughest test is FC Porto - a side shorn of Lisandro and the talent of Lucho Gonzalez - while Arsenal picked up probably the easiest draw in the competition with only AZ Alkmaar and Olympiakos standing between them and the knockout stages.

There may have been no reunion for Ronaldo but, as the Champions League always does, it reunited some old friends, and enemies.