Berlin (AFP) – Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich have tightened security measures at their stadium, banning spectators from carrying big bags and bottles, ahead of Friday’s home match — the first of the new German league season.

Germany’s league champions have stepped up measures for the 2016/17 season as they prepare to host Werder Bremen, with a sell-out crowd of around 70,000 expected at Munich’s Allianz Arena in a high-profile match.

“Handbags and backpacks larger than the A4 format, and all bottles, thermos flasks and liquids can no longer be brought in,” said Bayern in a statement with new coach Carlo Ancelotti set to take charge of his first Bundesliga game.

The German national team was particularly shaken by the November 13 attacks in Paris, as they were playing at the Stade de France in Paris when suicide bombers sought to get into the stadium.

A few days after the Paris attacks that left 130 people dead, a friendly between Germany and the Netherlands in Hanover was scrapped at the last minute over a terror threat.