Bayern vs USG

The Allianz Arena hosts a historic "David vs. Goliath" encounter today, Wednesday, January 21, 2026, as Bayern Munich welcomes Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise (USG). Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 GMT (15:00 ET / 21:00 local).

Bayern is currently in dominant form, sitting 3rd in the league phase with 15 points. A win tonight would virtually guarantee Vincent Kompany’s side a direct ticket to the Round of 16. For USG, currently 27th, this is the biggest match in their modern history as they fight to stay within reach of the play-off spots.

Match Information

Bayern Munich: The Kompany Revolution

Under Vincent Kompany, who recently extended his contract until 2029, Bayern has returned to its most terrifying best. They enter this fixture following a devastating 5–1 victory over RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga. The match is particularly special for Kompany, who faces a club from his native Belgium while sitting comfortably near the top of the European table.

Team News and Selection:

• The Return of Musiala: The biggest story in Munich is the return of Jamal Musiala. After nearly six months out with a complex leg and ankle injury, the playmaker made a cameo assist against Leipzig and is expected to feature tonight.

• New Star Available: Luis Díaz, a £65.5m summer arrival, is back in the squad after serving a European suspension.

• Absences: Nicolas Jackson is unavailable as he celebrates Senegal’s recent AFCON triumph. Josip Stanišić (ankle), Konrad Laimer (calf), and Sacha Boey (illness) are also out.

• Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Kimmich, Upamecano, Tah, Guerreiro; Pavlovic, Goretzka; Olise, Musiala, Díaz; Kane.

Union SG: Chasing the Miracle

David Hubert’s Union Saint-Gilloise has been the underdog story of Belgian football for years, but the Champions League has been a harsh teacher. Despite being top of the Belgian Pro League, they have struggled on the road in Europe. However, captain Christian Burgess has publicly stated the team is "relishing the underdog role" as they seek at least a point to keep their top-24 hopes alive.

Team News and Selection:

• Striker Watch: Promise David is the man to watch, having netted 14 goals across all competitions this season.

• Injury Report: Striker Kevin Rodríguez remains sidelined, and defender Thierno Barry is a significant doubt.

• Tactical Setup: Hubert is expected to utilize a compact 3-5-2 or 5-3-2 to weather the expected Bavarian storm.

• Predicted XI (3-5-2): Scherpen; Mac Allister, Burgess, Sykes; Khalaili, Zorgane, Van de Perre, Niang, Castro-Montes; David, Florucs.

? Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats

• First-Ever Meeting: This is the first time these two clubs have met in a competitive fixture.

• Offensive Juggernaut: Bayern has scored 71 goals in 18 Bundesliga matches this season, averaging nearly 4 goals per game.

• The Kane Factor: Harry Kane remains the competition's focal point, looking to add to his tally against a USG defense that has conceded 11 goals in the league phase.

• Home Dominance: Bayern has won 25 of their 28 matches across all competitions this season, their only loss coming away at Arsenal.

Tactical Analysis and Prediction

The tactical gulf here is significant. Bayern’s "dominant and high-intensity" football under Kompany will likely force USG into a deep defensive block for the majority of the 90 minutes. The return of Musiala and the availability of Luis Díaz give Bayern too many creative avenues for a depleted USG defense to manage.

While USG is capable of a "heroic moment" on the counter-attack through Promise David, the Allianz Arena is currently a fortress that few teams in Europe can breach.

Final Score Prediction: Bayern Munich 4–0 Union SG