Hello and welcome to Eurosport's LIVE text commentary of the Champions League clash between Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid. Just 59 days after beating Paris Saint-Germain in the 19-20 final, Hansi Flick's side start the defence of their crown. A stern test too in the shape of Diego Simeone's well-drilled Atletico. Kick-off is an hour away, let's have some team news first!

Kick-off! Bayern Munich get us underway!

Here come the players... there are just FIVE minutes until kick-off at the Allianz Arena. It's Bayern Munich, the defending champions, versus Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. It's LIVE and it's NEXT!

Wow! Real Madrid have been beaten by Shakhtar! The start of a dramatic night, perhaps?

Simeone was in no mood to celebrate after claiming his 200th La Liga win on Saturday. Celta dominated the first half and the Atletico coach wants an improvement from his side. "We're going to face the best team in the world right now," he said. "I think it's a very important game for us and we'll try to find solutions for what we had to suffer in the first half today."

Flick on Atletico Madrid: "Every Champions League match is special but to play against Atlético in the first game is a highlight. Diego Simeone has been at Atlético for nine years and has always managed to develop his team further. They have one of the best defences in Europe. When they lose the ball they are very aggressive and disciplined. I am looking forward to it. "

These sides last met in the group stages of the 2016 edition of the Champions League. Yannick Carrasco scored as Atletico won their home game, but Bayern took all three points in the reverse fixture, with Robert Lewdowski's free-kick proving the difference.

Flick on his decision to play Hernandez and not Davies: "For a young player like Alphonso Davies, it's not easy due to the sheer number of games last season and the short pre-season. We've deliberately given him the time to recharge - mentally and physically - and that's what he's been doing."

Tonight will be a special occasion for Bayern defender Hernandez, who faces his former club. "Of course I have a special attachment to Atlético," he said. "I grew up there and the club gave me everything." The full-back's form has been keeping Alphonso Davies on the bench for the majority of this season.

Atletico's neighbours Real are currently losing, at home, to Shakhtar. They were 3-0 down at half-time; they have since pulled two goals back.

Atletico Madrid have only 18 fit players tonight and Simeone has also named two goalkeepers on the bench. Jose Gimenez is still unavailable after contracting coronavirus and Saul is injured. Diego Costa pulled up in Atletico's 2-0 victory over Celta and hasn't recovered, so Joao Felix starts alongside the in-form Luis Suarez.

No great surprises in Bayern's starting XI. Joshua Kimmich had been a doubt as his wife is due to give birth to their second child, but he makes it into midfield. Robert Lewandowski will become the first player to score in 10 consecutive Champions League group stage matches if he registers tonight.

Bayern Munich XI: Neuer, Pavard, Sule, Alaba, Hernandez, Kimmich, Gortezka, Muller, Tolisso, Coman, Lewandowski.. subs: Nubel, Javi Martinez, Douglas Costa, Choupo-Moting, Zirkzee, Boateng, Davies, Sarr, Marc Roca, Musiala /// Atletico Madrid XI: Oblak, Renan Lodi, Felipe, Savic, Trippier, Koke, Herrera, Carrasco, Llorente, Joao Felix, Luis Suarez.. subs: Grbic, San Roman, Torreira, Correa, Lemar, Saponijc, Vitolo, Hermoso, Sanabria