Serge Gnabry has reacted to the draw for the new Champions League season, singling out the away game at Atlético Madrid as a personal highlight. Bayern Munich learned on Thursday they will face Arsenal, Manchester United, Bodo/Glimt, Real Betis, Slavia Prague and Lille in the new league phase.
Gnabry shared his thoughts after the pairings were announced. "We're hoping for another strong league phase in the Champions League. I'm really looking forward to the game in Madrid against Atlético," said the German international. He described the meeting with English champions Arsenal, whom they played last season, as "another very good and interesting match at home" in Munich.
Gnabry breaks down the opponents
The forward also addressed the other contenders. Bodo/Glimt were the surprise package of last season's competition, while Manchester United are on the rise, promising a "great matchup in a fantastic stadium." The other clubs Real Betis, Slavia Prague and Lille are also "very good footballing sides" who performed well last season. "There are some exciting and thrilling games ahead, and we're really looking forward to them," Gnabry summarized.
First up for Bayern, however, is the Bundesliga opener this weekend. The Bavarians host VfB Stuttgart before the European commitments begin. The current squad list with all players available for these European tasks is also viewable online.
The new Champions League format features a single league of 36 teams, each playing eight matches. Bayern start with the aim of making a deep run in the competition again after last season's disappointing absence. The first matches of the league phase are scheduled for late September.
