| Bayern vs Bodo | |
| MATCH | Champions League |
| DATE | 11 - 09 - 2026 |
| TIME | 12.30 AM IST |
| STADIUM | Allianz Arena |
Bayern Munich vs Bodo/Glimt: Match Preview
Bayern Munich will begin their Champions League campaign at home against Bodo/Glimt, with Vincent Kompany's side looking to take an early step towards reaching this season's final in Madrid.
The German giants reached the semi-finals of the competition last season and will be determined to go even further this time around. Bayern made an impressive start to the 2026-27 campaign, winning their first three domestic matches, including a 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the German Super Cup.
That winning run came to an end at the weekend, however, as newly promoted Schalke 04 held Bayern to a goalless draw.
Kompany's team will now be eager to respond in Europe, and history gives them plenty of confidence. Bayern have won their opening Champions League match in each of their last 22 campaigns, underlining their consistency in the competition.
Their home record in 2026 has also been impressive. Bayern have suffered only one defeat on home soil this year, while recording 15 victories and two draws. Anything other than three points on Thursday would therefore be regarded as a disappointing result for the Bundesliga champions.
Bodo/Glimt aiming to cause an upset
Bodo/Glimt have earned their place in the Champions League league phase after successfully navigating two qualifying rounds.
Kjetil Knutsen's side first overcame Union Saint-Gilloise in a dramatic third-round tie, winning 6-5 on aggregate. They then produced an emphatic performance against NEC Nijmegen, defeating the Dutch club 6-1 on aggregate in the playoff round.
Their progress means Bodo/Glimt are back in the Champions League proper for a second consecutive season. They made their debut in the competition last term and surprised many by reaching the round of 16, including a memorable knockout-playoff victory over Inter Milan.
Although the Norwegian side will head into Thursday's match as clear underdogs, their recent form suggests Bayern cannot afford to take them lightly.
Bodo/Glimt defeated Fredrikstad 2-1 last Friday to record their seventh consecutive victory. That result also extended their unbeaten run to 20 matches across all competitions.
Team News
Bayern will again be without Serge Gnabry, although Kompany is hopeful that the experienced forward will return to contention next week.
Jamal Musiala is expected to operate in the number 10 position, with Michael Olise and Luis Diaz providing support behind Harry Kane.
Tarek Buchmann remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury following surgery during the summer. Kim Min-jae is expected to partner Dayot Upamecano in central defence.
Bodo/Glimt also have several injury concerns ahead of their difficult trip to Munich.
Jostein Gundersen is ruled out with a hamstring problem, while Haitam Aleesami remains doubtful because of a leg injury. Villads Nielsen and Odin Bjortuft are therefore expected to form the centre-back partnership.
The Norwegian club will also be without midfielders Magnus Bech Riisnaes and Hakon Evjen, both of whom are recovering from knee injuries. Sondre Auklend, Patrick Berg and Sondre Brunstad Fet are likely to occupy the midfield positions.
August Mikkelsen is another absentee as he recovers from a groin injury, while Jens Petter Hauge is expected to start on the left wing.
The Outlook
Bayern Munich will go into the match as strong favourites, particularly given their exceptional home record and remarkable consistency in opening Champions League fixtures.
However, Bodo/Glimt have already demonstrated that they can compete on the European stage. Their impressive run last season and outstanding current form mean Bayern will need to maintain their focus throughout the contest.
For the hosts, the objective is straightforward: start their European campaign with a victory and quickly put the disappointment of the Schalke draw behind them. Bodo/Glimt, meanwhile, will look to produce another memorable European performance and prove that their place among Europe's elite is deserved.