After a difficult 2024/25 European campaign where they were knocked out at the quarter-final stage by eventual finalists Inter Milan, Bayern are entering this season with a point to prove.
Their home games include Chelsea, Club Brugge, Sporting CP, and Union Saint-Gilloise, while away trips to Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal stand out as major early tests, along with visits to PSV Eindhoven and Cypriot side Pafos. The tie against PSG will draw plenty of attention, as will their return to the Emirates to face an ever-improving Arsenal side.
Borussia Dortmund exited in the Round of 16 last season and face a steep challenge this time with away games at Manchester City, Juventus, Tottenham, and Copenhagen, and home fixtures against Inter, Villarreal, Bodo/Glimt, and Athletic Club.
Bayer Leverkusen will still be smarting from their humiliating 5-0 aggregate loss to Bayern in the Round of 16, will host PSG, Villarreal, PSV, and Newcastle, and travel to face Manchester City, Benfica, Olympiacos, and Copenhagen in a demanding schedule.
Eintracht Frankfurt round out the German sides, with big-name ties against Liverpool, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Napoli among others.
All four Bundesliga clubs have tough routes ahead, but Bayern look best placed to make a deep run - if they can find early rhythm in a demanding new format.
Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has defied club orders to return to London after the club abruptly cancelled his loan move to Bayern Munich - a decision that has left the player furious and hoping to revive the deal before the transfer window closes.
Reports coming out of England and Germany suggest RB Leipzig could approach Liverpool with a bid to sign Harvey Elliot.
Bundesliga favourites Bayern Munich were made to work hard for their 3-2 win over Augsburg on Saturday, while there were also wins for RB Leipzig and Frankfurt.
Borussia Dortmund have bolstered their attacking options with the permanent signing of Portuguese international Fabio Silva from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
