Copenhagen vs Bayern Munich

Park Stadium forms the backdrop for a “David vs Goliath’ Champions League showdown between Copenhagen and Bayern Munich.

Copenhagen came agonizingly close to upsetting the odds on the opening Champions League matchday, only to see their two-goal lead canceled out by Galatasaray’s quick-fire double beyond the 85th minute in a goal-glutted 2-2 draw. They took another hit at the weekend as bitter domestic rivals Midtjylland won 2-0 at this stadium, inflicting only the second Danish Superliga defeat on Copenhagen this season (W7, D1). With their spirits dampened after a frustrating derby loss, Jacob Neestrup’s side will need a miracle to return to winning ways, especially considering their wasteful all-time record against German clubs in European football (D4, L8). Since just one of those draws came at home (L4), it stands to reason Copenhagen will look for damage limitation at Parken Stadium.

On the other hand, Bayern Munich eked out an action-packed 4-3 home win over Manchester United to kick things off in Group A, taking an initial step toward maintaining their impressive progression rate. Indeed, the ‘Bavarians’ have featured in the Champions League knockout stages of every season since 2008/09 onwards. So it’s hardly a surprise they’re the owners of the outright record of 35 consecutive group-stage matches without losing (W32, D3). That’s not to mention Thomas Tuchel’s men have won their last 14 games in the Champions League group phase. Another successful European night is seemingly on the cards, with the record-time Bundesliga champions emerging victorious in five of their six previous meetings with Danish clubs (D1). Since each of Bayern’s three post-Man Utd fixtures has featured over 3.5 goals, a high-scoring contest could be in store.