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Liverpool have been drawn to face holders Real Madrid, Swiss champions Basel and Bulgarian outfit Ludogorets Razgrad in Group B of the Champions League.

Here is a closer look at the three sides the Reds will be facing as they return to European football's premier club competition for the first time since the 2009-10 season.

Real Madrid

What they’re about: The 10-time winners of the European Cup have a squad to make the rest of Europe envious. It is a side full of superstars which Carlo Ancelotti has the task of moulding into some sort of structure, but with a front four of Cristiano Ronaldo, James Rodriguez, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema, it’s hardly difficult.

Star player: Cristiano Ronaldo. It says it all that he just gets the nod ahead of two of the most expensive footballers in history. But nobody can deny what Ronaldo brings, playing anywhere across the front line and creative havoc. Arguably the best player in the world.

How they qualified: Although finishing third in La Liga to rivals Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, their participation comes as Champions League holders after a 4-1 extra time win against Atletico in Lisbon.

Sum up in 140 characters: New Galacticos on another planet at times but Atleti slayed this giant. Open wounds from Mourinho yet to heal but Ronaldo and Bale are glue.

Last time: The Reds beat Real 5-0 on aggregate in 2008/09 after a tight win at the Bernabeu and smashing them at Anfield.

It was always bound to happen because... they're the reining champions!

Fear factor: A much different proposition to when the Reds last travelled to face them, Liverpool would have to be on their best to get something from either games. But Liverpool's attack would be a match for a sometimes suspect defence. 5/5.

Basel

What they're about: The top side in Switzerland for the past decade, with seven titles in 10 years. A strong academy and even stronger scouting system has seen them perform not only domestically but also in Europe; Xherdan Shaqiri, Granit Xhaka, Valentin Stocker and Hakin Yakin are among those to have graced St Jakob-Park recently.

Star player: Walter Samuel. The former Roma, Real Madrid and Inter Milan defender has chosen to see out his career in the Swiss Super League. A strong, no-nonsense Argentine, Javier Zanetti once heralded his Argentine team-mate as the hardest player he ever played with.

How they qualified: Another Super League title for Basel with a seven-point gap between themselves and Grasshopper Zurich. They also scored more than any other team and possessed the best defence.

Sum up in 140 characters: Boom boom. Swiss champions elect who won't be easy to brush aside; nothing faulty about recent European exploits. Armed with cheese graters.

Last time: The Reds were knocked out of the Champions League group stage by the Swiss side in 2002. After a draw at Anfield, they travelled to Switzerland on the final matchday needing a win to qualify. After falling 3-0 behind, Gerard Houllier's side mounted a comeback and got it back to 3-3 – but were ultimately eliminated.

It was always bound to happen because... Liverpool owe Basel following elimination from the 2002/03 Champions League. Also a chance for the prodigal son, Philipp Degen, to return to Merseyside.

Fear factor: Basel may not be as strong as they have been recently – they reached the Europa League semi-finals in 2013 - but still possess Serey Die in midfield, while captain Marco Streller is a handful up front. But Paolo Sousa has work to do. 2/5.

Ludogorets Razgrad

What they’re about: A club only formed in 2001, Ludogorets have enjoyed a rapid rise through the ranks of Bulgarian football, becoming only the third team to win the domestic treble (after CSKA Sofia and Levski Sofia) in 2014. They have also won three consecutive Bulgarian titles.

Star player: Marcelinho. A 30-year-old diminutive midfielder who joined the club in 2011 as their rise to the top of Bulgarian football began. Wearing the no.84 on his shirt, he provides the skill and class in the side, and was named the league's best foreign player in 2013.

How they qualified: After topping the table after 26 games - the first phase - Ludogorets stormed to the title in the second phase, winning the title by 12 points. They eliminated F91 Dudelange of Luxembourg before a surprise win over Partizan in the third qualifying round.

But they saved the best until last against Steaua Bucharest, scoring a last-minute goal to take it into extra-time before defender Cosmin Moti saved two penalties in the shoot-out after replacing his red-carded goalkeeper in extra-time. Roy of the Rovers stuff.

Last time: Liverpool have never met Ludogorets in a competitive game.

It was always bound to happen because... theirs was the fairytale story of the qualifying rounds.

Fear factor: A complete unknown for Liverpool, and most of European football - but they beat Lazio in the Europa League last 32 before bowing out to Valencia, and now have momentum following fairytale qualification. 1/5.