Bayern Munich’s Champions League draw brings Atletico and Old Trafford challenges

Jan-Christian Dreesen says Bayern Munich must overcome a demanding Champions League schedule after being drawn against Atletico de Madrid, Manchester United and Arsenal, while sporting director Max Eberl has set a clear target of finishing in the competition’s top eight.

The draw was held in Monaco on Thursday, with Bayern facing several high-profile opponents during the league phase. Dreesen, the club’s chief executive, said the German side had been handed a series of difficult assignments but insisted the opponents would be approached with confidence.

“The opponents are by no means easy. We have some really difficult tests, including Atletico Madrid, who are always a difficult team, and Manchester United away at Old Trafford, in front of a great crowd,” Dreesen told reporters after the draw.

Bayern will host Arsenal, who Dreesen described as the champions of England and runners-up in last season’s Champions League.

“At home, we will face Arsenal, the English champions and last season’s Champions League runners-up,” he said.

The Bayern chief also acknowledged that the draw included opponents less familiar to the Bundesliga club, notably Viking. He said he was particularly looking forward to the Norwegian trip, while also highlighting a home meeting with Bodø/Glimt.

“Then we have some opponents who are less well known to us, such as Viking. I am really looking forward to this match and to the trip to Norway. We will also face Bodø/Glimt at home, a team that caused some surprises last season. Overall, these are opponents we respect a great deal, but we want to beat them,” Dreesen added.

Eberl also welcomed the prospect of a new Champions League campaign, pointing to the range of away fixtures awaiting Bayern. Alongside Atletico de Madrid, Manchester United and Viking, Bayern will travel to face Lille.

“We are really looking forward to the new Champions League season. We have some highly anticipated away matches against Atletico Madrid, Manchester United, Lille and Viking,” Eberl said.

The sporting director believes Bayern’s home fixtures provide a strong opportunity to collect points, although Arsenal represent a particularly significant test.

“At home, we have opponents we can beat. But Arsenal are also among them, and they were runners-up last season. We want to finish the league phase in the top eight; that is the clear objective,” he said.

Bayern’s stated ambition reflects the importance of securing a leading position in the league phase. Eberl’s target would place the club among the eight highest-ranked teams at the end of that stage.

The Bavarian giants reached the semi-finals of last season’s Champions League before being eliminated by eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain. Their new campaign will therefore begin with a demanding collection of fixtures, including visits to two of Europe’s most prominent stadiums and meetings with several sides who performed strongly in the previous season.