FC Bayern Munich visits Cyprus. © PAFOS FC

Bayern with holiday feeling in the Champions League

Sun, beach, sea: On FC Bayern's business trip to Cyprus, a certain holiday feeling is unavoidable.

September 30, 2025

From: dpa

German national soccer player Leon Goretzka also looked at the weather forecast with joy before his Champions League trip to the south: "I've only seen sunshine there. And always 28, 29 degrees," the 30-year-old rejoiced, but immediately clarified: "Of course, we're not going there because of the weather!"

Sure. Of course, it's not about topping up the summer tan that's fading in Munich this autumn. Rather, it's about securing the next three points in the league phase on Tuesday (9:00 PM) against Champions League newcomers and extreme underdogs FC Pafos, following their 3-1 win over Club World Cup champions Chelsea. "When you're successful, it naturally makes you want more," said sporting director Max Eberl before boarding the Sunexpress flight.

How difficult it will be for the Munich star ensemble, led by prolific goalscorer Harry Kane, in the 10.700-seat Alphamega Stadium in Limassol, where FC Pafos plays its European Cup home games, should be purely a question of attitude. The German champions' role as favorites is too clear.

Real with Kazakhstan premiere

Real Madrid are looking to return to winning ways at the Champions League level after their LaLiga derby defeat. To do so, the "Royals" will have to overcome considerable travel stress, as they face Kairat Almaty in Kazakhstan for the first time on Tuesday.

Real Madrid visits Kairat Almaty. © ANSA / MAXIM SHIPENKOV

Real Madrid will face a Kazakh team for the first time, and Kairat will also face a Spanish team for the first time. However, their market value is only €12,73 million, while Madrid's squad value is €1,40 billion.

Mourinho against former club

Chelsea faces a tense clash against Benfica Lisbon. In his first European match of his second tenure at the Portuguese club, Jose Mourinho will face the London club with whom he won the Premier League and League Cup three times each, as well as the FA Cup once. Chelsea have won all their meetings with Benfica, and have won six of their six matches against Portuguese teams at Stamford Bridge.

Champions League: Tuesday's games

Atalanta – Club Brugge (6:45 p.m.)
Kairat Almaty – Real Madrid
Atletico Madrid – Frankfurt (21.00 p.m.)
Bodo/Glimt – Tottenham
Chelsea – Benfica
Galatasaray – Liverpool
Inter – Slavia Prague
Marseille – Ajax
Paphos – Bayern Munich