BAYERN BOSS FLICK: SQUAD IS STRONGER

BAYERN MUNICH will kick off their bid to join the greats of European football against Atletico Madrid tonight.

The German giants, who lifted their sixth European title in Lisbon only 59 days ago after winning every match, start this season’s Champions League as favourites.

Since Nottingham Forest in 1980, only two clubs have successfully defended the biggest competition in European football – Milan in 1990 and Real Madrid in 2017 and 2018.

But, with the other European top teams facing big questions, the Bavarians are again the side to beat.

“We are definitely one of the favourites,” said France left-back Lucas Hernandez (above). “We have great players and we want to continue having the same outstanding success uccess as last season.” ”

Hansi Flick’s team have already won two more titles – the European Super Cup and d the German Super uper Cup – while Robert b t Lewandowski has scored nine times in his last four games.

Despite losing Thiago Alcantara to Liverpool, the Bundesliga champions have strengthened their squad with the signings of Leroy Sane, Douglas Costa, Eric Maxim Choupo-moting and Spain Under-21 midfielder Marc Roca.

Flick (above) said: “There is more depth in our squad now. We have exactly what we wanted, which is more options. It is important not to have any injuries – you saw that at Liverpool now with Virgil van Dijk.”

Former Manchester City star Sane is still not recovered from his knee injury, while Joshua Kimmich is a doubt because his girlfriend Lina is expecting their second child.

Luis Suarez will make his European debut for his new club along with Lucas Torreira, but Diego Costa is out with a thigh injury.

Danish champions Midtjylland will make their Champions League debut against Atalanta in Group D tonight after coming through two qualifying rounds before beating Slavia Prague in the play-offs.