Chelsea’s Champions League return a harsh reality check in 3-1 loss to Bayern | OneFootball

Chelsea’s return to the Champions League was supposed to feel like a step back towards belonging on the biggest stage. Instead, it was a reminder of how far they still have to go.

Bayern Munich did not need to be at their best to sweep them aside 3-1 at the Allianz Arena. For all the talk of Enzo Maresca’s bright ideas, his young team looked naive against a side who know exactly how to win on nights like these.

Trevoh Chalobah’s own goal set the tone. It was clumsy and preventable, the kind of lapse that punishes inexperience at this level. Moises Caicedo then compounded the problem by hauling down Harry Kane, who calmly doubled the lead from the spot. At that point, Chelsea looked beaten.

Credit to Cole Palmer for briefly shifting the mood. On his 100th appearance for the club, he took his goal beautifully, reminding everyone that he belongs at this level. But Chelsea’s spark was fleeting, and their belief never really convinced.

Bayern always felt in control, even when Chelsea were pushing for a leveller. Kane, ruthless as ever, put the game to bed after Malo Gusto gifted him the ball inside the box. He did not hesitate. Chelsea could only watch as their mistakes stacked up.

This was not about courage or intent. Chelsea did not park the bus. They pressed, they tried to play through midfield, and they had moments when they looked dangerous. But the difference was in the details. Bayern’s big players delivered when it mattered. Chelsea’s were found wanting.

The numbers told their own story. Manuel Neuer was making his 151st Champions League appearance. Chelsea’s entire squad had fewer combined games than that before kick-off. Experience matters, and Bayern had it in abundance.

The problem for Chelsea is that this was not a one-off. Too many of their issues were self-inflicted. A mix-up at a set piece, a clumsy foul, a careless pass — these are habits that cannot be carried into Europe if they want to compete with the continent’s elite.

Maresca deserves patience, but patience only goes so far when mistakes are this costly. Bayern have now won their opening Champions League fixture 22 seasons in a row. Chelsea are still learning how to handle the basics.

For the Blues, the road back to respectability in Europe is clearly going to be a long one.