Bayern Munich clashes with Bodo/Glimt's ambitions

German giants Bayern Munich will face Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt’s ambitions at the Allianz Arena tomorrow, Thursday, in the final matchday of Group Stage Matchday 1 of the unified group phase of the UEFA Champions League.

Bayern hope to maintain their unbeaten record this season, while Bodø/Glimt aim to extend their winning streak to eight consecutive matches across all competitions.

This will be the first meeting between the two clubs. The Bavarians have never lost to Norwegian teams (six wins, two draws), though they have not faced a Norwegian side since Rosenborg in 2000. Bodø/Glimt drew with hosts Borussia Dortmund in 2025 but have never beaten a German club (two draws, one loss).

Under Belgian manager Vincent Kompany, Bayern reached the semi-finals last season and are aiming for a strong start to their campaign toward the final in Madrid, relying on their attacking trio of Englishman Harry Kane, Frenchman Michael Olise, and Colombian Luis Díaz.

The Bavarians began the new season with three consecutive domestic victories, including a 2-1 win over rivals Borussia Dortmund in the German Super Cup. However, that run ended on Saturday with a goalless draw against newly promoted Schalke.

The Bavarian giants are eager to return to winning ways, a desire bolstered by their record of winning their opening match in each of their last 22 Champions League appearances.

Meanwhile, Bodø/Glimt, managed by Ketil Knutsen, reached the league phase after two qualifying rounds and are now looking to prove their worth following their debut campaign last year, where they deservedly reached the round of 16, defeating Italian side Inter Milan in the playoff round.

Although Bodø/Glimt may be considered the underdogs, it would be a mistake to underestimate them, especially given their excellent start to the season, which includes seven consecutive wins and an unbeaten run spanning 20 matches.

At Old Trafford, English club Manchester United begin their journey against Azerbaijani newcomers Sabah, with the home side keen to make a strong start to the competition.

United enter the match as favorites, given the significant gap in experience and resources, but they must maintain their focus and impose their style from the outset, as Champions League matches allow little room for error.

Sabah, on the other hand, are preparing for their historic first appearance in the continental competition with high ambitions. Aware of the difficulty of facing one of Europe’s most famous clubs, they will look to exploit any lapses or confusion from the hosts and search for a historic result at Old Trafford.

The match is crucial for United, who need a steady start and the three points to gain early momentum in their campaign. For Sabah, it is an opportunity to prove they can compete with the elite and not merely play the role of underdog visitors.

In other matches, Turkish club Fenerbahçe face Italian side Roma, Dutch team PSV Eindhoven meet Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk, Czech side Slavia Prague take on French club Lens, and Italian newcomers Como face German side RB Leipzig.

Bayern Munich star Serge Gnabry is preparing to return to action after a long absence since last April, when the Bavarian giants host Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt tomorrow, Thursday, in the UEFA Champions League.

Gnabry suffered a tear in the muscles of his right leg at the end of last season, causing him to miss the final stages of his team’s campaign last season and the start of this season’s campaign, as well as his participation with Germany at the 2026 World Cup.

Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany, a Belgian, said at a press conference: “We are monitoring Gnabry’s condition, but we will speak with him after training. There is a possibility he could play in the match, but we must first confirm his readiness.”

The match may also see Jamal Musiala return after recovering from seizures he experienced during two friendly matches in the pre-season period.

On this matter, Kompany said: “Musiala has played a few minutes in some matches, and we are currently working on improving his physical fitness. He has been feeling better since returning to training and is close to regaining his normal condition, but patience is required.”

Nouair (40) said: “I am focused on achieving all possible goals this season. We are qualified to win every title, which has motivated me to continue. Winning the Champions League for the third time would be an achievement that means a lot to me.”

He concluded: “Norwegian teams have distinctive characteristics. Facing our club, Bodø/Glimt, and Viking in the Champions League is an unprecedented phenomenon, but it is an indicator of the strength of football and the league in Norway.”