Bayern Munich Eyes Round of 16 in Champions League with Key Home Match

Bayern Munich is on the cusp of securing a place in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 during their match against Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise at the Allianz Arena on January 21, 2026. Currently sitting second in their group with 15 points from six matches, Bayern trails only Arsenal, their sole defeat this season, 3-1. A victory against Union Saint-Gilloise would almost guarantee advancement to the knockout stage before the final group match. Under new UEFA rules, finishing in the top two of the group grants home advantage in the knockout rounds, making this match critical for Bayern's pathway to the final in Budapest on May 30. If Bayern wins and key rivals Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, or Liverpool drop points, their qualification will be mathematically certain. A draw, however, would complicate their situation, requiring a victory against PSV Eindhoven in the last group match and losses from competitors. Former Borussia Dortmund player Manuel Akanji has praised Bayern as currently the strongest European team, highlighting their remarkable scoring and defense. Fans can watch the game live on various platforms; DAZN offers extensive UEFA Champions League coverage, while free-to-air channels like ARD and ZDF occasionally broadcast select matches. Ensuring qualification in this game is vital for Bayern’s ambitions in Europe this season.