Skip to main content

Bayern start afresh with renewed optimism

The Bavarians lost a penalty shootout in front of their own fans in Munich in May but the visit of Valencia will at least conjure happier memories of when they defeated the Spaniards in the 2001 final, the last time Bayern were crowned Kings of Europe.

Bayern have also had a break this season with a reasonably comfortable group that also includes Belarus's BATE Borisov and France's Lille.

"We will never forget that defeat, it was a hard knock but we have processed it," said defender Holger Badstuber. "This is a new chance to achieve something great."

"Bayern were in the final last season and we deserve to be among the favourites this season," said Martinez, who is expected to make his competition debut. "That is why we want to start with a bang."

Coach Jupp Heynckes should have wingers Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery back in the squad after they missed Saturday's 3-1 win against Mainz 05 with minor injuries.

"The result helps but we didn't do that well and still have a lot of work to do," the Argentine said.