Bayern in Moscow with chance for 13th consecutive Champions League win

Moscow is the first foreign destination for Bayern in this season’s Champions League, as the holders take on Lokomotiv Moscow in the Russian capital on Tuesday (kick-off at 6.55pm CET, coverage available through our live text updates and free web radio). Ahead of the second group game of the campaign, fcbayern.com runs you through all the important information.

Situation for Bayern

Check out the best photos from Bayern’s final training session, which was held in Munich before departing for Moscow:

The 5-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt will have given Bayern extra motivation for this game, with Hansi Flick’s side currently on a six-match unbeaten run. “We want to remain in the flow we’re in. We’re confident, the team is in good form and the signs are positive,” said Thomas Müller at the pre-match press conference on Monday. After the convincing 4-0 victory against Atletico Madrid in the group’s opening game, FCB are now on a record-extending 12-match winning streak in the Champions League.

Opponents Lokomotiv Moscow

Runners-up in Russia last season, Lokomotiv opened their Champions League campaign with a 2-2 draw at Red Bull Salzburg and are excited to now face the holders. “We’re playing against the best teams in Europe. We’re very happy to have this opportunity,” enthused Lokomotiv head coach Marko Nikolic.

Find out all you need to know on opponents Lokomotiv Moscow:

Personnel

“Serge is back, Leroy was involved already at the weekend. It means we have a few more options in attack,” Flick explained on Monday when looking at his squad. Gnabry had missed the last two games due to a false positive COVID-19 test but is once again “an option to start” according to the coach. Flick also added that “everyone is fit”, except for long-term absentee Tanguy Nianzou (recovery training after thigh problem) and Alphonso Davies, who injured his ankle at the weekend and will be out for several weeks.

Coaches’ view

Hansi Flick: “They’re one of the form teams in the Russian league. They’ve conceded the fewest goals and have very good players in attack with [Fedor] Smolov and Eder. We have to watch out and be focussed. They’re a team who know full well how to make a point in attack.”

Marko Nikolic (Lokomotiv Moscow coach): “Bayern are very dangerous. They have quick attacking players and are dangerous from set pieces. On top of that, you can’t forget Lewandowski. He’s one of the best strikers in Europe. We have to believe in victory. It’s often the case that a draw is a good result, but we want all three points.”

Watch Hansi Flick and Thomas Müller’s press conference in full:

Debut for referee

Istvan Kovacs will take charge of the game in Moscow. The Romanian has been assigned to lead a Bayern match for the first time. The 36-year-old has been refereeing Champions League games for two years, with this being his fourth appearance. Compatriots Vasile Florin Marinescu and Ovidiu Artene are the linesmen, with Marius Avram as fourth official. Alejandro Hernandez and Guillermo Cuadra Fernandez of Spain are the VARs.

Check out even more facts and figures on the game in Moscow: