One of European football’s great rivalries resumes as Bayern Munich welcome Chelsea to Bavaria for the opening round of this season’s UEFA Champions League.
This clash revisits the famous 2011/12 final, with both clubs eager to make an early statement in Group Stage action.
Bayern Munich – Red-Hot Bavarians Eye Perfect Start
The German champions have wasted no time setting a relentless pace in 2025/26.
Vincent Kompany’s side have won all five of their competitive matches so far, racking up an eye-watering 11-0 aggregate across their two home fixtures.
Bayern have historically thrived at this stage of the Champions League, boasting a remarkable 73% win rate in the group phase since the tournament’s restructure in 2003/04.
Their fortress status at the Allianz Arena is underlined by a run of 16 unbeaten UCL home games prior to a rare slip against Inter Milan in last season’s quarter-finals (W13, D3).
With goals flowing and confidence sky-high, the hosts look well-positioned to launch another deep run.
Chelsea – Blues Back on the Big Stage
After a two-year absence, Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea return to Europe’s premier competition hoping to carry over their excellent record in international fixtures.
The Blues have started the domestic season in solid fashion (W2, D2) but were left frustrated at the weekend, conceding late in a 2-2 draw with Brentford.
This trip to Germany marks Chelsea’s first outing outside London in 2025/26, and their pedigree on the continental stage is strong.
Chelsea have claimed 12 wins from 13 games in European and global tournaments since last appearing in the UCL, lifting both the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup.
Head-to-Head Record
Bayern have taken three of the last four meetings between these sides in the Champions League (L1), including a 4-1 home victory during the 2019/20 quarter-finals.
Chelsea’s only success in that run remains their dramatic penalty shootout triumph in the 2011/12 final, also in Munich.
Stats Corner
- Bayern are averaging 20 shots per game across all competitions this season.
- The hosts have scored in 36 of their last 37 Champions League home fixtures.
- Chelsea have failed to score in three of their last five UCL games on the road.
- The Blues have netted at least twice in eight of their previous nine outings in all competitions.
Players to Watch
- Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich): The veteran goalkeeper has emerged victorious in each of his last three meetings with Chelsea. Another win would move him into an exclusive club of players with 100 Champions League victories.
- Cole Palmer (Chelsea): A rising star in European competition, Palmer has been directly involved in eight goals across his last eight games on the international stage (3 goals, 5 assists).
Team News
- Bayern Munich: Long-term injuries to Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies persist, while Raphaël Guerreiro joined the treatment table over the weekend.
- Chelsea: Forward João Pedro remains a doubt after being risked against Brentford despite not being fully fit.
Potential Lineups
Bayern Munich: 4-2-3-1 – Neur; Laimer, Upamecano, Tah, Stanisic; Kimmich Goretzka; Gnabry, Olise, Diaz; Kane.
Chelsea: 4-2-3-1 – Sanchez; James, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella; Enzo, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Joao Pedro.
Where to watch
United Kingdom: TNT Sports 2
United States: Discovery+
Canada: DAZN Canada
India: Sony LIV
Australia: Stan Sport
Nigeria: SuperSports
Conclusion
Bayern’s formidable home form and attacking firepower make them favourites, though Chelsea’s counter-punching threat means this could be closer than many expect.
Score Prediction: Bayern Munich 2-3 Chelsea
