FC Bayern Munich is set to begin its Champions League journey for the 2026/27 season with a match against the surprising Norwegian team FK Bodø/Glimt. The game will take place at the Allianz Arena on Thursday evening at 21:00. Bayern, a club with a squad value exceeding one billion euros, faces a team from a small community in northern Norway, which has a modest budget of around ten million euros.

Coach Vincent Kompany has expressed his respect for the Norwegian side, stating, "Bodø/Glimt is a great story for football." He highlighted the impressive work ethic and pressing style of the Bodø/Glimt players, noting that they have a clear game plan that they all commit to. Despite being the clear favorites, Bayern is taking their opponents seriously, as demonstrated by the captain Manuel Neuer's comments about not underestimating them.

Bodø/Glimt, which hails from a town of just 54,000 residents, has made a remarkable rise in Norwegian football. The club, which was saved from bankruptcy in 2010 by local supporters, has a philosophy of developing players primarily from the region or Scandinavia. Under the guidance of coach Kjetil Knutsen since 2018, they have adopted an attacking 4-3-3 formation that has led to significant success, including their first Norwegian championship in 2020.

Last season, Bodø/Glimt made headlines by defeating major clubs like Manchester City and Inter Milan in the Champions League knockout stages, showcasing their ability to compete at high levels. Their CEO Frode Thomassen acknowledged the challenges they face but remains optimistic about their performance against Bayern, emphasizing that they aim to play their style of football without fear.

For Bayern, this match marks their 30th appearance in the Champions League group stage, and they have won all of their previous 23 opening matches since 2003. Harry Kane, who joined Bayern in the summer of 2023, has already made a significant impact in the competition, scoring more goals than any other player since his transfer.

As the match approaches, Kompany has made it clear that securing a victory against Bodø/Glimt is essential for their campaign. The anticipation is high as both teams prepare for what promises to be an exciting encounter.