Bayern Munich will begin their new Champions League campaign with an unusual Thursday fixture on September 10. This is according to the complete match schedule released by UEFA, as reported by Bild Sport. The record champions will host Norwegian titleholders Bodø/Glimt at the Allianz Arena at 21:00 that evening. This shift for the first matchday is necessary because the Europa League group stage has not yet started, forcing the Champions League games to be spread across three days (September 8, 9, and 10). From the second matchday onward, the competition returns to its familiar Tuesday and Wednesday rhythm.
Why is Bayern starting on a Thursday?
The unusual scheduling for the opener is a direct result of the European competition calendar. With the Europa League group phase beginning later, the first round of Champions League matches is scheduled for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. For Bayern Munich, this specifically means a curtain-raiser on a Thursday night. This is a rare exception to the club's usual European weekly routine. Their last Bundesliga start, in contrast, went according to plan: Bayern kicked off the domestic season with a 5-1 home win against VfB Stuttgart, building optimism for their European tasks.
What does Bayern's full schedule look like?
Following the Thursday opener, the remaining group matches proceed in the usual rhythm. Bayern will play their second match on October 13 at 21:00 away to Viking FK. A real highlight follows on matchday three: the clash with English top club Arsenal on October 21, also at 21:00. The first half of the group stage concludes with a home game against Atlético Madrid on November 3. The return leg fixtures include away games at Lille (November 25) and Slavia Prague (December 8), as well as home matches against Manchester United (January 20) and Real Betis (January 27). All kick-off times are set for 21:00. A complete overview of all upcoming fixtures is available on our fixtures page.
What are the schedules for the other German clubs?
UEFA has also finalized the schedules for the other three German representatives in the premier competition. Borussia Dortmund starts on Monday, September 8, with a home game against FC Villarreal. VfB Stuttgart hosts Viking FK on Tuesday, September 9, with an earlier kick-off at 18:45. RB Leipzig, like Bayern, plays on September 10, traveling away to face Como. The other matches for the rivals promise exciting duels: Leipzig will face Real Madrid on October 21, for instance, and Stuttgart must contend with Atlético Madrid on October 20. The current standings in all competitions can be viewed in our standings table.
What does the schedule mean for season planning?
The fixed dates now provide Bayern Munich with planning security for the demanding autumn and winter phase. The back-to-back fixtures against Arsenal on October 21 and Atlético Madrid on November 3 present a particular challenge. Bundesliga commitments in between will test the squad's depth. The January dates, with matches against Manchester United and Real Betis, already fall during the hot phase of the title race. The coach and team can now time their preparations for these key games precisely. Player availability can be tracked on our injuries list. The focus now is first on the Bundesliga routine before the European adventure begins on September 10.
