Bayern Munich vs Chelsea: Match Preview, Latest Team News and TV Watching Guide | OneFootball

Bayern Munich vs Chelsea: Champions League Showdown at the Allianz Arena

Chelsea return to Munich for a fixture steeped in memory and meaning. It was at the Allianz Arena in 2012 where the Blues etched their name into football folklore, lifting the UEFA Champions League for the first time after Didier Drogba’s famous equaliser and the drama of penalties. Thirteen years on, they revisit the same stage, but in very different circumstances.

Having claimed the UEFA Conference League last season, Chelsea are back in Europe’s premier competition for the first time since 2023. Enzo Maresca now leads a side trying to rediscover its place among the continent’s elite, although their opening assignment could scarcely be more daunting.

Bayern Munich’s Formidable Start

Bayern Munich have wasted no time asserting their authority in the Bundesliga. Three wins from three, 14 goals scored and only two conceded underline the efficiency of Vincent Kompany’s side. Harry Kane has already struck five times and sits at the top of the Golden Boot race.

Photo: IMAGO

The Bavarians are not only unbeaten, they look ruthless, fluid and confident, setting a standard that few in Europe can match at this early stage of the season. Chelsea arrive in Munich knowing that anything less than absolute focus will be punished.

Chelsea Challenges Ahead of Kick-Off

Maresca faces a selection puzzle. Liam Delap’s hamstring injury is a significant blow, compounded by the fact that Nicolas Jackson completed his loan move to Bayern on Deadline Day. The Senegalese forward, who has featured for just 45 minutes in the Bundesliga, is eligible to face his parent club, although unseating Kane is unlikely.

Chelsea are also set to travel without Dario Esugo, Romeo Lavia and Benoît Badiashile. Cole Palmer is only just returning from an injury layoff and, in the manager’s words, Joao Pedro is “not at 100 per cent”. Estevao is doubtful with illness, adding to the sense that this trip comes at a difficult moment in their campaign.

Bayern too have injury concerns. Raphael Guerreiro has been sidelined with an abdominal problem, Alphonso Davies is recovering from an ACL injury and Hiroki Ito remains unavailable. This leaves Kompany short of natural left-back options, with Sacha Boey expected to fill the gap despite being more comfortable on the right.

Prediction and Historical Context

Recent meetings do not offer much encouragement for Chelsea. Their last clash in the Champions League, under Frank Lampard in 2020, ended in a 7-1 aggregate defeat. Overall, Bayern Munich have four wins to Chelsea’s two, with no draws recorded between the clubs.

Form and fitness suggest Bayern Munich are overwhelming favourites this time. Kane’s finishing touch, the cohesion of Kompany’s midfield and the Allianz Arena’s atmosphere all point in one direction. Chelsea may need another miracle in Munich to alter the narrative.

Prediction: Bayern Munich 3-1 Chelsea

Kick-off is set for 8pm BST on Wednesday, 17 September 2025, with live coverage on TNT Sports 2 and streaming via Discovery+.