What does champions league draw mean here?

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Hi.
Chelsea ended up winning the game 1-0 thanks to Nemanja Matic’s second-half header but Mourinho brought on Mikel to tighten up the midfield and protect his defence as the Portuguese manager was wary of conceding a late goal and squander the chance of taking control of their Champions League draw.

GPY · Accepted Answer

At first I thought it meant "Champions League match", but looking again I'm not sure that this interpretation totally makes sense. Are they playing in a group of teams? Perhaps it is referring to taking control of their group. If so, I'm not convinced that "draw" is used in a completely correct way.

"squander" should be "squandering".

Persian Learner · Answer

Now, after reading the whole text again, I think It is saying that the Blues had had a draw in their previous match in the Champions League so Mourinho didn't want a second draw! Right?

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho brought on Jon Obi Mikel against Sporting Lisbon last night as he thought his side could draw the game after missing so many chances.
The Blues could easily have won the game by four or five goals with chances from Mohamed Salah, Diego Costa, Oscar and Andre Schurrle being spurned. Countless one-on-one opportunities were thrown away as Mourinho stood on the sidelines and watched his side almost wasted a guaranteed win.
Sporting Lisbon 0-1 Chelsea match report
Chelsea ended up winning the game 1-0 thanks to Nemanja Matic’s second half header but Mourinho brought on Mikel to tighten up the midfield and protect his defence as the Portuguese manager was wary of conceding a late goal and squander the chance of taking control of their Champions League draw.
The win was vital for Chelsea after drawing their opening game against Schalke, and with the German side drawing against Maribor last night, the Blues are now in charge in Group G.
“I thought we could draw,” Mourinho told http://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2014/09/final-whistle-verdict--.html.
“If we didn’t have the efficiency to take our opportunities then bringing on Mikel to accompany Matic was the decision. It was something we discussed at half-time.
“Sometimes a game like this can end up 4-0 or 5-0, but in this case it was a 1-0 that was quite well-managed because we had to bear in mind the positioning of the team. That was really important to close the doors that would lead to a goal and eventually mean a draw.”

GPY · Answer

Persian LearnerNow, after reading the whole text again, I think It is saying that the Blues had had a draw in their previous match in the Champions League so Mourinho didn't want a second draw! Right?

No, I am pretty certain that it does not refer to a draw in the sense of a scoreline of 1-1, 2-2, etc.

Persian Learner · Answer

So, what's the best interpretation eventually?

GPY · Answer

Persian LearnerSo, what's the best interpretation eventually?

Probably that draw = match. That is what it would normally mean in the phrase "taking control of their Champions League draw".

Rover_KE · Answer

You're right, GPY. By finishing top of their group (taking control of it), Chelsea would have an advantage over the team they were drawn against in the knockout stage which was to follow.

GPY · Answer

Rover_KEYou're right, GPY. By finishing top of their group (taking control of it), Chelsea would have an advantage over the team they were drawn against in the knockout stage which was to follow.

OK ... if so, do you think it is a slightly unusual use of "draw", or is it just me?

Rover_KE · Answer

No, it's just the usual process of two guys picking numbered ***** out of a bag to decide who plays whom in the next round.

GPY · Answer

Rover_KENo, it's just the usual process of two guys picking numbered ***** out of a bag to decide who plays whom in the next round.

Oh sure, I understand that. That is the basis on which "draw" would mean "match" anyway. What I mean is the use of "their Champions League draw" to specifically mean "their Champions League group". I don't think I remember hearing quite that usage before.

What does champions league draw mean here?

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