Wed Nov 06 19:10:00 UTC 2024: ## Bayern Munich Focused on Benfica Win, Not New Champions League Format

**MUNICH, Germany** – Bayern Munich will be looking to get their Champions League campaign back on track with a crucial victory over Benfica on Wednesday. Despite the new league format, coach Vincent Kompany stressed that the focus remains firmly on securing the win at home.

The Bavarians, currently leading the Bundesliga, have suffered two defeats in their first three Champions League matches. They are determined to bounce back after losing to Aston Villa and Barcelona, following a 9-2 demolition of Dinamo Zagreb in their opening fixture.

“We have enough games,” said Kompany, in his debut season as manager. “We have to win against Benfica. I don’t want to spend too much time thinking what could happen in January. No one knows how it will work. We only know we want to win tomorrow. We play at home. That is my only goal.”

This season, the Champions League has shifted from a group stage to a league format, where 36 teams will play eight matches each. The top eight teams qualify directly to the next round, while the next 16 teams will enter a two-legged playoff.

While this format offers Bayern a potential route to the knockout stage even if they don’t finish in the top eight, Kompany is not dwelling on the possibilities. “We have a lot of confidence going into this game. We will always adapt and take the steps that are right for the team. But to say we will change everything is not serious. We just want to win again at home,” he declared.

Benfica, on the other hand, have won two of their three Champions League matches. “We know you have to win around six of eight games to reach the top eight. You have to win three games and that should be enough for the playoffs. My goal is to reach the top eight,” added Kompany.

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