Bayern Munich draw Atletico Madrid, Salzburg, and Lokomotiv Moscow in the Champions League group stage

Well, it's official. Bayern Munich will face Atletico Madrid, Salzburg, and in the Champions League group stage this season. The title holders were placed in group A, being the first team to be drawn.

It's hardly an easy draw, especially given the fixture congestion this year. Atletico are naturally a big worry, since they knocked out Liverpool in the Ro16 last season. They have since signed Luis Suarez from Barcelona, and look even more formidable this time around. Hansi Flick will have his work cut out trying to topple Simeone's men.

RB Salzburg meanwhile are famous for being Leipzig's feeder club, but they are no slouches either. The Austrians drove Klopp and his men up the wall last year, and they're liable to do it again this time. They might have lost Erling Haaland, but they have plenty of talent and could sucker punch the Bavarians if they're not careful.

Rounding out the group is Russian team Lokomotiv Moscow. Here is the full group for Bayern Munich, in all its glory:

Matchday 1 of the group stage begins in October, with fixtures coming thick and fast. Bayern will need to steel themselves for a tough time in the league and in Europe, given the tiny squad Hansi Flick has at his disposal. Let’s hope that he gets a few more signings before the transfer window closes.

The rest of the groups are as follows:

German clubs get a decidedly mixed draw. Borussia Dortmund have a group they should probably advance from, even though Zenit and Lazio are decent teams. RB Leipzig MIGHT be able to beat Manchester United to the knockouts if they play their cards right, but it’s a tall order. Meanwhile, Borussia Monchengladbach will probably be battling with Shakhtar Donetsk for a chance at making 3rd place and the Europa League. Poor Foals, they never stood a chance.

The full group stage fixture schedule should be confirmed by tomorrow. We’ll keep you updated as the news comes in. What do you think about the draw? Can Bayern top this group? Comment below!