Bayern München open their UEFA Champions League League Stage at the Allianz Arena on Thursday evening, welcoming Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in what is the first match of the 36-team competition for both clubs. Kick-off is at 19:00 UTC.
Both sides sit in the top third of the table ahead of matchday one, separated by a single place — Bayern at tenth, Bodo/Glimt at eleventh — with neither side yet having played, won, drawn, lost or scored.
The form picture ahead of the match tells a contrasting story. Bayern München have taken 6 points from their last 5 matches, a period that includes a 5-1 win over VfB Stuttgart and a 5-4 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. Their most recent outing ended in a goalless draw with FC Schalke 04.
Bodo/Glimt arrive in considerably sharper form. The Norwegian side have collected 10 points from their last 5 matches and are currently on a run of 3 consecutive wins, including a 3-0 victory over NEC Nijmegen and a 3-2 win over Union St. Gilloise. Their only defeat in that period was a 5-0 loss to Sporting CP.
With the League Stage running across 36 teams and every point carrying weight from the opening fixture, both clubs will be aware of the table situation as they step out at the Allianz Arena. Thursday's match represents the first opportunity for either side to register on the scoreboard.