Bayern Munich host Chelsea at the Allianz Arena in their opening match of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League group stage on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
The highly anticipated Bayern Munich vs Chelsea clash marks the Blues’ return to the Champions League since their quarter-final exit to Real Madrid in the 2022/23 season.
Match Details
Allianz Arena
Munich, Germany
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Kick-off: 8pm BST
Bayern’s Red-Hot Start & Offensive Firepower
Bayern have won all their competitive matches so far this season, dominating in the Bundesliga and other competitions. They thrashed Hamburg 5-0 in their most recent match, with Harry Kane among the scorers, and Luis Diaz also impressing.
Their ability to create and finish chances, especially with the supply from players like Joshua Kimmich, Serge Gnabry, and Michael Olise, will be crucial. If they start quickly, they can unsettle Chelsea early.
So far, Vincent Kompany‘s side have scored 14 Bundesliga goals in just three games, and five in cup competitions, including the 2025 DFL-Supercup final – a clinicality that Chelsea will need to contain.
Chelsea’s Injuries & Match Sharpness
Though not as dominant as their first UCL opponents, Enzo Maresca’s men have had a good start to the season. They sit fifth in the Premier League, and are one of only three teams to go unbeaten in their first four games – Liverpool and Crystal Palace being the other sides.
Chelsea are returning to the Champions League after an absence, and while they have had moments of quality this season so far, their squad is hampered by several key injuries.
The fitness of Cole Palmer is a boost. He returned from injury and scored off the bench vs Brentford, and is likely to start against Bayern.
However, others such as Liam Delap, Dario Essugo, and Levi Colwill, are sidelined. How well Chelsea can manage these absences, especially in defence and up front, will heavily influence their prospects.
Matchups & Tactical Battles
With Bayern’s attack revolving around Kane and support from wide and central attackers, Chelsea will need a disciplined defensive setup. Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Cucurella and Reece James – or whichever combination is used – will surely be tested.
Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic offer transitions and chances for Bayern, while Chelsea rely on Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez to break up play and distribute. The capacity of Chelsea’s midfield to match Bayern’s tempo will be key.
With Bayern missing some full-backs, and Chelsea also having personnel issues, exploiting wide areas and set-plays may be decisive in the Bayern Munich vs Chelsea game.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Manchester City vs Napoli UCL: Three Key Factors, Starting Lineups, Injuries
Bayern Munich vs Chelsea Probable Lineups
We have Harry Kane on one side, aiming for his first Champions League trophy, and the world champions chasing a third title from the prestigious competition on the other. With high ambitions on either end of the pitch, both Kompany and Maresca will be aiming to have their best men ready to start off their 2025/26 UCL campaigns.
Here, we look at the probable lineups for the Bayern Munich vs Chelsea clash:
Bayern Munich XI: Manuel Neuer, Konrad Laimer, Dayot Upamecano, Jonathan Tah, Josip Stanisic, Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Michael Olise, Serge Gnabry, Luis Diaz, Harry Kane
Chelsea XI: Robert Sanchez, Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Cucurella, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Estevao, Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, Joao Pedro
Bayern Munich vs Chelsea Key Injuries
Bayern Munich: Raphael Guerreiro, Alphonso Davies, Hiroki Ito, Jamal Musiala
Chelsea: Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Romeo Lavia, Dario Essugo, Liam Delap
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Sports Press Photo
Recording Date: 13.09.2025