Jamal Musiala returns to Bayern Munich starting XI for Champions League opener against Bodø/Glimt

Jamal Musiala has returned to Bayern Munich’s starting line-up for their Champions League opener against Bodø/Glimt at the Allianz Arena on Thursday evening.

The Germany international was named in the team by manager Vincent Kompany after a period of uncertainty over his fitness. His inclusion comes at the expense of Morocco midfielder Ismael Saibari, who starts on the substitutes’ bench.

Bayern begin their 2026-27 Champions League campaign with what Kompany considers his strongest available side. Manuel Neuer is in goal, with Konrad Laimer, Dayot Upamecano, Jonathan Tah and Alphonso Davies forming the defence.

Joshua Kimmich, Alexander Pavlovic and Musiala make up the midfield, while Michael Olise and Luis Diaz are selected on the wings. Harry Kane leads the attack.

The German champions have an outstanding record in their opening Champions League fixtures, having won their previous 22 such matches. That run stretches back to 2003.

Bayern have also been particularly dominant at home in the competition. They are unbeaten in their last 38 group-stage or league-phase matches at the Allianz Arena, recording 36 victories and two draws.

Their preparations for the European campaign ended with a goalless draw against Schalke in the Bundesliga. The result brought an end to a long sequence in which Bayern had not drawn 0-0 in domestic competition.

Bodø/Glimt arrive in Munich having established themselves as one of European football’s biggest surprises last season. The Norwegian club produced a series of notable results against leading sides and will now face one of the competition’s most experienced teams in their first match of the new campaign.