The Group C encounter between Maccabi Tel-Aviv and Bayern Munich will be the first UEFA Champions League match to be played in Israel.
The game falls on the eve of the Jewish New Year Maccabi Tel-Aviv coach Nir Klinger urged Maccabi fans to still turn out in force.
“For those who haven’t made up their minds yet I can say – don’t miss the chance to support us,” he said “You can all arrive with a full stomach and enjoy a fantastic occasion.”
“It is the highest point of my career both as a player and a manager,” he added.
“But from my experience I have learned that behind every peak hides another peak – so I have a lot to look forward to.
“We will face a hot favourite with a tremendous history and will try to meet the challenge but it will also not be a matter of life and death, they should also try to enjoy themselves. I feel that my players are confident they will not be surprised, and I am sure their knees will not turn to jelly.”
Klinger has one major fitness doubt with Ghanaian striker Ishmael Addo expected to miss out. Klinger may start with Cameroon-born striker Emile Mbamba.
Bayern coach Felix Magath has concerns over captain Oliver Kahn who has a thigh injury.
Magath refuses to take tonight’’s opponents lightly.
“We have great respect for Maccabi Tel-Aviv,” Magath said.
“They are a new team in the competition playing for the first time and they have young players who will fight hard. Of course, we have much more to lose and therefore we want to win so that we have the points to set us on our way for the rest of the competition.”
