Rampant Bayern Munich encounter stern challenge against defending champions PSG
Bayern Munich's journey to the current title holders Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday serves as a crucial gauge of their position among Europe's top clubs this term.
Bayern have secured victory in all 15 of their fixtures across various competitions so far this season, establishing a fresh benchmark for the strongest opening in any of the leading five European leagues.
This remarkable run has sparked aspirations of Champions League success for Bayern.
However, confronting the continent's champions on home soil will offer the German powerhouse a sharper insight into their competitive standing.
Bayern's exceptional season opener has surpassed the previous mark held by AC Milan from the 1992-93 campaign.
Throughout their streak, Bayern have trailed for just five minutes, which occurred in their midweek 4-1 triumph over Cologne in the German Cup.
Domestically, the Munich side have overcome the clubs occupying positions two through five in the Bundesliga standings, in addition to defeating Club World Cup victors Chelsea.
Under manager Vincent Kompany, Bayern are performing dynamically in every department, though Harry Kane has emerged as the standout performer.
Rather than easing off following his first major honour last year when Bayern claimed the Bundesliga, Kane has elevated his game further.
The England skipper boasts 22 goals from 15 appearances in all tournaments, yet his playmaking contributions have proven vital amid Jamal Musiala's six-month absence due to injury.
Kompany has shifted Kane into a number 10 role, prompting him to retreat deeper at times, even into defensive midfield areas.
Squad changes have failed to halt the relentless Bayern momentum.
This past Saturday, Kompany rested Kane, wide players Luis Diaz and Michael Olise, plus centre-back Dayot Upamecano, during the clash with Bayer Leverkusen, a team Bayern had not defeated in the league since 2022.
The visitors led 3-0 at the break, featuring goals from revitalised Serge Gnabry and progressing loanee Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea.
"Securing 15 wins is positive. Yet it must persist, this is merely the beginning," Kompany addressed supporters at Bayern's annual general meeting on Sunday.
"I assure you, we shall exert every effort for a triumphant campaign."
PSG's European Supremacy
Similar to Bayern, PSG routinely overpower their French league opponents and face true scrutiny in European action.
In the prior season, PSG at last succeeded internationally, peaking precisely when it mattered most.
The French outfit claimed their inaugural Champions League crown in June, demolishing Inter Milan at Bayern's Allianz Arena.
PSG have yet to fully ignite in Ligue 1 this year, but reserved their finest displays for continental competition.
After three outings, all successful, PSG lead the Champions League standings, positioned just above Bayern.
Victories include a win at Barcelona, a heavy defeat of Atalanta, and a 7-2 demolition of Leverkusen on the road.
"A clash between two elite sides," remarked Bayern's sporting director Max Eberl.
"We head there undefeated for now. Our aim is to maintain that record."