Bayern Munich kickstart their 2018-19 UCL campaign against Benfica

Bayern Munich travel to Portugal on Wednesday to face Benfica in their first Champions League game of the 2018-19 season.

The Bavarians begin the quest for their sixth Champions League title on Wednesday when they face Benfica. Bayern Munich have enjoyed a fine start to the season and are unbeaten in the Bundesliga, with their latest win coming against Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday. Niko Kovac will be hoping to enjoy a similarly successful start to his first Champions League campaign, and tomorrow’s Benfica game will provide him the perfect starting point.

Bayern Munich endured a frustrating end to their 2017-18 Champions League season, falling disappointingly short against Real Madrid in the semifinals. It marked their fifth consecutive exit from the competition at the hands of a Spanish club.

Benfica, meanwhile, had their worst Champions League run in recent memory last season. The Portuguese side finished last in their group without gathering any points. Benfica have started the new season in fine form, as they are unbeaten in Liga NOS. Their the favorites to finish second behind the Bavarians in the group, and a positive result against Bayern on Wednesday can boost their chances of going into next round.

Team news

Bayern Munich suffered a massive blow against Bayer Leverkusen, as Corentin Tolisso ruptured his ACL. The Frenchman is set to be out for at least six months. Rafinha also suffered an injury in this game, but he will be back in a few weeks. Kingsley Coman is another long-term absentee for Bayern Munich. We won’t be seeing him until 2019.

Mats Hummels has traveled with the squad after being rested on Saturday. Leon Goretzka also missed the game against Leverkusen due to a minor injury, but he too has recovered and will be fit for Benfica.

Predicted XI

Niko Kovac is set to make a lot of changes for this game. Manuel Neuer will make his first Champions League appearance since the ’16-17 season after missing out last year with injury. Mats Hummels will come back into the starting lineup and partner Niklas Sule in the heart of defense. Joshua Kimmich and David Alaba will occupy the full-back roles against Benfica.

Javi Martinez didn’t play against Bayer Leverkusen, so Kovac will likely start the Spaniard in the holding midfield position. Renato Sanches is in line to make his first start of the season against his former club. James Rodriguez, who was reportedly unhappy after being left on the bench against Leverkusen, could also get his first start of the season.

Robert Lewandowski will lead the line for the German Champions on Wednesday. Arjen Robben was sensational against Leverkusen, but he is likely to make way for Franck Ribery in the starting lineup. The Frenchman will play on the left flank while Thomas Muller will be deployed on the right side of the attack.

"NeuerKimmich – Sule – Hummels – AlabaMartinez – SanchesMuller – James – RiberyLewandowski"

Opposition focus

Bayern Munich will dominate the possession against Benfica despite being the visiting team. Benfica have some exciting players to hurt Bayern. The Portuguese side continue to develop young talent that can shine at the top level against top teams. However, they will be without their main striker Jonas for this game, which could prove crucial.

Rafa Silva and Pizzi are the main midfiel pair for Benfica. The duo are tidy on the ball and also have a very good eye for goals. Haris Seferovic is set to lead the line for Benfica in Jonas’ absence on Wednesday and can be dangerous on set-pieces.

Next. Niko Kovac wants more protection for his Bayern Munich players. dark

Prediction

Benfica 1-2 Bayern Munich

The Bavarians were held for a high scoring draw last time they faced Benfica at Estadio da Luz. It will be a close game, but Kovac’s men will do enough to start their UCL campaign with a victory.