Bayern Munich have been in and around the top of the Bundesliga log this term, and Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund might challenge them. Copenhagen’s campaign in the Danish Super Liga has been decent, too.
Following the circumstances surrounding his appointment by Bayern Munich last term, Thomas Tuchel came into this season with a mandate to deliver more trophies for the Bavarians. And to achieve that, they finally got a prolific striker, Harry Kane, from Tottenham, to fill the void left behind by Robert Lewandowski.
The English forward has already scored eight times and contributed four assists in his first seven Bundesliga appearances and has two goal involvements in two appearances in the UEFA Champions League.
Tuchel’s Bayern lost the German Super Cup to RB Leipzig, and it became necessary to show some reactions in their next run of games, which they did. They have remained unbeaten in the ten games they have played at the time of writing- which is excellent.
In their UEFA Champions League opener, the Bavarians defeated Manchester United 3-2 in their UEFA Champions before thumping Bochum 7-0 in the Bundesliga just a few days later. Another comfortable win in the DFB Pokal followed before RB Leipzig held them to a 2-2 draw in the Bundesliga.
Bayern began the month of October with a comeback 2-1 win over Copenhagen in the reverse fixture. Lukas Lerager handed the hosts a shock lead at the Parken Stadium before the German champions rallied back through Jamal Musiala and a late winner from substitute Mathys Tel.
Meanwhile, Copenhagen’s journey into the UEFA Champions League group stages was through several stages of the qualifiers. The Danish champions, who have been in and out of this elite competition before, have just been scratching the surface and have not made an impact.
Copenhagen’s 2023/24 season got off to a winning start – a 2-1 win over Lyngby in the Superliga before they defeated Breidalik 8-3 on aggregate in their UEFA Champions League first-round qualifier match. Fresh from those wins, another win against Vejle followed in the Superliga before they managed to nick another win over Randers at home.
In the next round of the UEFA Champions League qualifiers against Sparta Prague, the Byens Hold got a 4-3 success over the Czech Republic side after the first leg finished goalless. After that success on the continent, Copenhagen added league wins over Odense and Hvidovre in the Superliga.
Copenhagen had to battle their way past Polish side Rakow stood between to reach the UEFA Champions League group stages. They took a 1-0 advantage from the first leg to the return fixture, ending 1-1 to advance 2-1 on aggregate. However, the first defeat of the league campaign sponsored by Sikelborg was sandwiched between that Champions League tie.
Copenhagen won just one of their next three matches – beating Viborg and successive draws with Nordsjaelland and Galatasaray. Brondby also fell in the SuperLiga before a 9-0 thrashing of Lyseng to end September on a high.
They are already winless in October after losing to Bayern Munich in their second UCL game; Midtjylland also defeated them in the league and a draw with Aarhus.
Following the win at Copenhagen in the first leg, Bayern Munich’s unbeaten run in the Champions League group stage stood at 36 games. The German record champions have also won the last 16 games in a row and are now the first team in Champions League history to go unbeaten in 18 group stage away games.
Copenhagen have also failed to win any of their last eight games in the UCL, their longest winless streak in the competition (since at least 2005), while they have never beaten German opposition in 13 attempts in all competitions (D4 L9).
This will be the second-ever meeting between Copenhagen and Bayern Munich, which promises to be interesting.
Match Tickets
The epic match at Allianz Arena in Munich kicks off on Wednesday, 29th November, at 9 PM UK time, and it will be shown live on TNT Sports, with coverage starting from around 8 PM.
This is a UEFA Champions League clash between royalty and a team steering at elimination. Wednesday will be a special night at the 75,000-capacity stadium, and Copenhagen fans should be present in their numbers to support their side.
Getting tickets for Bayern Munich v Copenhagen tickets should be fine, given the profile of this game. Hence, you are advised to search ticket reselling sites should they be expectedly sold out on each club’s channels.
Team News
Line-ups
Thomas Tuchel’s side is bound to progress, so we might see some changes in the playing personnel. Mathys Tel has made some excellent impacts off the bench in the previous games and could be handed a rare start against the Germans. Meanwhile, Manuel Neuer, Raphael Guerreiro, Dayot Upamecano, and Matthijs De Ligt are all possible absentees.
- Bayern Munich: Ulreich; Mazraoui, Laimer, Kim, Davies; Goretzka, Kimmich; Sane, Musiala, Muller; Tel.
Striker Andreas Cornelius has been missing since mid-September and could still miss this return clash. Meanwhile, Davit Khocholava, who has been out with a knee injury since 2 April, is expected to feature elsewhere. Another absentee could be Nicolai Boilesen, who recently returned from a cruciate ligament injury but suffered a relapse, could be absent for this trip.
- Copenhagen: Grabara; Melng, Vavro, Diks, Jelert; Goncalves, Falk, Lerager; Achouri, Larsson, Elyounoussi.
Prediction
Bayern Munich’s form at home this season is quite excellent. And with their UEFA Champions League record, the Bavarians are expected to win here.
Copenhagen was the least-rated side in this group, and they could be heading out of the competition. While progression from the group would have been excellent, reaching the group stage remains an achievement.
- Bayern Munich 4-1 Copenhagen
