The Champions League is back, and Chelsea's return to Europe's elite competition sees them face a daunting challenge against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. This match marks Chelsea's first Champions League campaign since 2023, a long-awaited return for the Blues.
Chelsea enters the competition as the reigning Conference League and Club World Cup champions, titles that signify their intent to compete for major silverware. However, a mixed start in the Premier League, punctuated by a late equalizer from Brentford over the weekend, tempers expectations.
Bayern Munich, on the other hand, has been dominant in the Bundesliga, winning all three of their opening matches and scoring 14 goals while only conceding two. Harry Kane has been in sensational form, already topping the league's scoring charts with five goals. Bayern's consistent domestic success makes them a perennial Champions League contender, but questions remain about their capabilities in Europe this season.
Adding intrigue to the match is the potential for Chelsea to face their own player, Nicolas Jackson, who is currently on loan at Bayern Munich. Chelsea had considered recalling Jackson due to an injury to Liam Delap, but the transfer was finalized with a conditional obligation to buy. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca acknowledged that Jackson's inside knowledge of Chelsea's tactics could be a small advantage for Bayern.
Team News
Bayern Munich is dealing with several defensive injuries, with Raphael Guerreiro joining Alphonso Davies and Hiroki Ito on the sidelines. Jamal Musiala is also unavailable. For Chelsea, Liam Delap is out with a hamstring injury. Cole Palmer is expected to start after making his return from injury in the game against Brentford.
Historical Significance
The Allianz Arena holds a special place in Chelsea's history, as it was the venue where they won their first Champions League title in 2012, defeating Bayern Munich in a penalty shootout. However, it also marks the site of one of their more humbling European defeats, a 4-1 loss to Bayern in the 2019-20 Round of 16. Bayern went on to win the Champions League that season.
Where to Watch
The match is scheduled for an 8pm BST kick-off. In the UK, the game will be televised live on TNT Sports 2, with coverage beginning at 7pm BST. TNT Sports subscribers can also stream the match live online via the Discovery+ app and website.
Predictions
Despite Chelsea's silverware and Bayern's strong start to the season, it remains to be seen how Chelsea's young squad will fare against Europe's elite. Pundits anticipate a competitive and potentially high-scoring match.
