Chelsea return to the Champions League for the first time since 2023 with a daunting trip to Munich, where Vincent Kompany’s Bayern have started the season in scintillating form. The Blues face their ultimate test against German champions who have scored 14 goals in just three Bundesliga matches.
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Bayern Munich vs Chelsea: Preview
Two European heavyweights collide at the Allianz Arena as Bayern Munich welcome back Chelsea to the Champions League stage for what promises to be a captivating encounter between two clubs with rich continental pedigree.
Chelsea return to UEFA’s top table for the first time since the 2022-23 campaign, having spent last season conquering the Conference League and claiming FIFA Club World Cup glory with a stunning 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the final. The Blues have been in exceptional form in European competition, winning 12 of their 13 European matches since their last Champions League appearance in April 2023.
Under Enzo Maresca’s guidance, Chelsea have shown they belong among Europe’s elite once again. Their Club World Cup triumph demonstrated their ability to rise to the biggest occasions, with the Italian tactician successfully implementing his possession-based philosophy while maintaining the Blues’ traditional fighting spirit.
However, Chelsea face their sternest test yet in Munich – the scene of both heartbreak and one of their most famous nights. The Allianz Arena witnessed Chelsea’s dramatic penalty shootout victory in the 2012 Champions League final, but also their painful defeats in recent encounters with the Bavarian giants.
Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich present a formidable challenge, having started the season in devastating form. The Belgian’s tactical revolution has transformed Bayern into an unstoppable attacking force, with the team scoring 14 goals in their opening three Bundesliga matches while maintaining a perfect record.
Bayern were runaway Bundesliga winners last season and have seamlessly continued their domestic dominance under Kompany. Their recent 5-0 demolition of Hamburg showcased the ruthless efficiency that made them German champions, contrasting sharply with Chelsea’s frustrating 2-2 draw against Brentford.
Despite their domestic struggles in Europe last season – suffering defeats to Aston Villa, Barcelona and Feyenoord in the league phase before scraping past Celtic in the knockout play-offs – Bayern’s overall Champions League record remains imposing. Since 2003-04, they boast the highest win percentage in the group/league phase (73%), winning 93 of their 128 matches outside the knockout stages.
Harry Kane continues to be Bayern’s talismanic figure, having already netted 11 goals across all competitions this season while significantly outperforming his expected goals (5.3 xG). The England captain’s prolific start suggests he has fully adapted to German football and will be eager to add to his modest record of eight goals in 22 previous meetings with Chelsea.
Supporting Kane is a formidable cast including Michael Olise, who ironically was once linked with a move to Stamford Bridge during his Crystal Palace days. Serge Gnabry has already provided four assists this season, while Joshua Kimmich’s creative influence cannot be understated – he leads all players in Champions League completed passes (2,525) and chances created (83) over the last three seasons.
Bayern Munich vs Chelsea: Head-to-Head
The historical rivalry between these two European giants heavily favors Bayern Munich, who have dominated recent encounters with clinical efficiency. Bayern have won three of their last four games against Chelsea in the Champions League, with their only blemish being the dramatic penalty shootout defeat in the 2012 final.
Their most recent meetings came during the 2019-20 Champions League round of 16, where Bayern delivered a masterclass across both legs. The Germans secured a commanding 3-0 victory at Stamford Bridge before completing the rout with a 4-1 triumph at the Allianz Arena, eliminating Frank Lampard’s side with ruthless precision.
Chelsea’s record against Bayern makes for sobering reading, with the Blues losing 60% of their games against the German champions in European competition (W1 D1 L3). This represents Chelsea’s highest loss percentage against any opponent they have faced at least five times in the European Cup/Champions League.
Only Barcelona (four wins) have more victories against Chelsea than Bayern (three) in Europe’s premier competition, underlining the scale of the challenge facing Maresca’s men. The psychological burden of this poor record adds another layer of complexity to Chelsea’s task.
The 2012 Champions League final remains the notable exception, when Roberto Di Matteo’s Chelsea achieved the impossible by defeating Bayern on their home ground via penalties. Didier Drogba’s dramatic equalizer and subsequent penalty conversion became part of Chelsea folklore, but that triumph feels like a distant memory given Bayern’s recent dominance.
Bayern’s exceptional record against English opposition at home further compounds Chelsea’s difficulties. The German champions have lost just one of their last 11 home games against English sides in the Champions League (W8 D2), with that solitary defeat coming against Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool in March 2019.
Bayern Munich vs Chelsea: Team News and Predicted Lineup
Bayern Munich – Team News
Vincent Kompany faces defensive concerns ahead of Wednesday’s crucial encounter, with left-back positions causing particular headaches. Raphael Guerreiro is unavailable after suffering an abdominal injury during the weekend’s victory over Hamburg, while long-term absentees Alphonso Davies (ACL) and Hiroki Ito (foot) remain sidelined.
The absence of natural left-backs means Sacha Boey, typically deployed on the right flank, will likely be forced into an unfamiliar role. This defensive reshuffle could provide Chelsea with an avenue to exploit Bayern’s backline.
Former Chelsea academy graduate Jamal Musiala adds to Kompany’s injury woes, having sustained an injury during the Club World Cup. The German international’s creative spark and dribbling ability will be missed, though Bayern’s squad depth should provide adequate cover.
Manuel Neuer approaches a significant milestone, sitting on 99 Champions League victories and needing just one more win to join the exclusive 100-club alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Thomas Müller, and Iker Casillas. The veteran goalkeeper holds numerous Champions League records, including most clean sheets (60) and saves (413).
Harry Kane spearheads an attack brimming with confidence, supported by the pace and trickery of Michael Olise and the experience of Serge Gnabry. Joshua Kimmich’s metronomic passing from midfield will be crucial in controlling the tempo against Chelsea’s energetic press.
Bayern Munich – Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Neuer
- Defenders: Laimer, Upamecano, Tah, Stanisic
- Midfielders: Kimmich, Pavlovic, Olise,
- Forwards: Gnabry, Díaz, Kane
Chelsea – Team News
Enzo Maresca’s squad selection is complicated by several injury concerns and fitness doubts. The most significant absence is Liam Delap, who suffered a hamstring injury before the international break, forcing Chelsea to scramble for attacking reinforcements.
Ironically, Nicolas Jackson’s loan move to Bayern proceeded despite Chelsea’s initial attempts to retain him as cover for Delap. The Senegalese striker is eligible to face his parent club but faces an uphill battle to displace the in-form Harry Kane.
Cole Palmer’s return to fitness provides a timely boost, with the playmaker demonstrating his sharpness by scoring just five minutes after coming off the bench against Brentford. However, concerns remain over his match fitness following his recent injury layoff.
João Pedro is described by Maresca as “not at 100 percent” following the international break, while Estêvão has recovered from illness to travel with the squad after missing the Brentford encounter. Should the 18-year-old Brazilian make his Champions League debut, he would become one of the youngest South Americans to feature in the competition.
Long-term absentees include Dario Esugo, Romeo Lavia, and Benoit Badiashile, limiting Maresca’s tactical flexibility. The Italian coach will need to carefully balance his starting XI between players returning from injury and those carrying minor fitness concerns.
Chelsea – Predicted XI (4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper: Sánchez
- Defenders: James, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella
- Midfielders: Caicedo, Fernández, Palmer
- Forwards: Neto, João Pedro, Gittens
Bayern Munich vs Chelsea: Prediction
Bayern Munich enter this encounter as overwhelming favorites based on current form and historical precedent. Kompany’s tactical revolution has transformed Bayern into a goal-scoring machine, with their early-season performances suggesting they have found the perfect balance between attacking flair and defensive solidity.
Chelsea’s return to Champions League football represents a significant achievement, but the reality of facing Bayern away from home presents their ultimate test. The Blues’ impressive European form over the past year has been built largely against lesser opposition, making this step up in class particularly challenging.
The fitness concerns surrounding key Chelsea players like Palmer and João Pedro could prove decisive. While both possess the quality to trouble Bayern’s defense, their lack of match sharpness may be exposed against such high-caliber opposition.
Bayern’s home advantage at the Allianz Arena cannot be understated, particularly given their exceptional recent record against English teams. The crowd’s support, combined with the psychological weight of previous encounters, should provide additional motivation for Kompany’s players.
However, Chelsea’s proven ability to rise to the biggest occasions – demonstrated by their Club World Cup triumph – suggests they won’t surrender without a fight. The Blues possess enough individual quality to cause problems for any defense, and their recent European experience could serve them well.
The absence of natural left-backs for Bayern offers Chelsea a potential route to goal, though Harry Kane’s predatory instincts and the creativity of Olise and Kimmich make the German champions strong favorites to secure all three points.
Prediction: Bayern Munich 3–1 Chelsea
When and Where to Watch Bayern Munich vs Chelsea in India? Broadcast and Streaming Details
Indian football fans can catch the Bayern Munich vs Chelsea Champions League clash live on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, with kick-off scheduled for 1:30 AM IST (Thursday) at the Allianz Arena in Munich. The match will be telecast on multiple Sony Sports channels including Sony Ten 1, Sony Ten 1 HD, Sony Ten 2, Sony Ten 2 HD, Sony Ten 3, Sony Ten 3 HD, Sony Ten 5, and Sony Ten 5 HD.
For digital streaming, Sony LIV will provide live coverage of the fixture, though viewers will need a premium subscription to access the content. Additionally, JioTV users can stream the match through their platform, as they hold non-exclusive streaming rights for UEFA Champions League matches in India from 2024-25 to 2026-27, serving as a premium content partner of Sony Sports Network.
FAQs
When and where is the Bayern Munich vs Chelsea match?
The Champions League fixture takes place on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 9:00 PM CEST at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany.
How can fans watch the match globally?
The match will be broadcast on TNT Sports 1 (UK), CBS Sports Network (US), Sony Ten networks (India), and various streaming platforms including Discovery+, Paramount+, and Sony LIV.
What’s Bayern’s record against English teams recently?
Bayern have an excellent recent record against English opposition at home, losing just one of their last 11 Champions League home games against English sides (W8 D2).
Which key players are injured for both teams?
Bayern miss Guerreiro, Davies, Ito, and Musiala, while Chelsea are without Delap, Esugo, Lavia, and Badiashile, with Palmer and João Pedro carrying fitness concerns.
Who has the better recent Champions League form?
Chelsea have won 12 of their 13 European matches since April 2023, while Bayern struggled in Europe last season but historically boast a 73% win rate in Champions League group/league phases since 2003-04.
