It is finally the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 season, and one of the matches that stands out from Matchday 1 brings us straight to Bavaria. The Allianz Arena in Munich will roar on 17th September 2025 at 7:00 pm (UTC) as Bayern Munich hosts Chelsea in a traditional and historical match full of rivalry and drama. 

This is not just a group stage game, but two clubs with history in Europe going toe-to-toe in front of 75,000 supporters in Munich. Bayern, 6-time West Champions of Europe, goes up against Chelsea, the only English club to have triumphed in all UEFA competitions. And while each team has arrived with two different circumstances, Bayern on red-hot form and Chelsea in a mode of rebuilding under Enzo Maresca—the stakes could not be higher. 

By Bayern Munich standards, they have a remarkably long wait for another Champions League title. Their last European win came in 2020 against PSG when they were still led by Hansi Flick, and since then the German giants have been eliminated in frustrating quarterfinal and semifinal exits. 

Under Vincent Kompany, though, it again looks like the Bavarians are a machine. Their start to the 2025/26 Bundesliga season has been perfect, winning all five matches, including a 5-0 thrashing of Hamburg. Having already claimed the German Super Cup, they enter this match in excellent spirits.

Bayern has made it difficult for visitors to the Allianz Arena. They haven't lost at home in the group stages of the Champions League in their last 34 matches, the last occasion being in December 2013, when Kompany, ironically, was a Manchester City sub that night.

Even worse for Manchester United, Bayern have won their opener in the Champions League in 22 consecutive seasons. History is definitely on their side.

If Chelsea supporters still bear the aftermath of the 2019/20 UCL last-16 knockout, where the Blues were obliterated 7-1 on aggregate by Bayern Munich, they can be forgiven for a great deal of trepidation when greeting Harry Kane. The English forward left the Premier League to move to Munich and has begun this season as if possessed—8 goals in 5 matches.

Kane loves an occasion, and with creative engines like Joshua Kimmich, Luis Díaz, and Michael Olise producing for him, Chelsea's defence faces its biggest test yet.

Chelsea took their place in the Champions League after a two-year absence, and it shall be on this occasion with their heads held high. Last season, Chelsea made history, becoming the first club to win every UEFA competition after they lifted the trophy in the Conference League.

The Blues still mix young prospects and tactical discipline under new manager Enzo Maresca. They qualified after they beat Nottingham Forest on the last day in the Premier League, and they fit the bill as Club World Cup Champions after beating PSG earlier this year. 

In the Premier League, Chelsea has had great moments—like a 5-1 victory over West Ham and a 4-1 win against AC Milan in Europe—but they have also shown weaknesses, such as their 2-2 draw against Brentford in which they failed to defend set plays. Maresca knows that he will need his side to remain cool under pressure with Bayern's attacking style.

With Mykhaylo Mudryk suspended, Cole Palmer will be expected to be the man for Chelsea. The former Manchester City midfielder has found his stride early this season, scoring important goals and showing his creativity in his play so far. His ability to find space and build in the half-space against Bayern's midfield will be critical. 

Up front, João Pedro, with 5 goal involvements in 4 league games, will be counted on to lead the attack. His partnership and relation with Pedro Neto and Garnacho are something that could very well put Bayern's backup fullbacks to the test. 

Even with defensive players unavailable, Kompany can still rely on Neuer, Upamecano, Kimmich, and Kane to help keep a balanced side. 

Neuer; Laimer, Upamecano, Tah, Stanisic; Kimmich, Pavlovic; Olise, Gnabry, Díaz; Kane

Sánchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Fernández, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Pedro.

Chelsea’s defence needs to perform well and keep a close eye on Kane, who is excellent at taking advantage of movement inside the box. One mistake, and he will make the team pay.

Midfield control is important. If Enzo is able to handle or resist Bayern’s press, they can transition well. If not, they will have little or no possession with Bayern smothering them.

Injury to Guerreiro and Davies puts Bayern in a precarious position at their left-back position. Palmer may be able to utilise his creativity to take advantage of the situation.

Chelsea fans will not forget Munich 2012, when Didier Drogba’s header and Petr Čech’s heroics gave them their first Champions League title against Bayern in their own stadium. However, since that time, Bayern has dominated, winning three out of four matches, including the 7-1 aggregate in 2020. This opportunity serves as a reflection, 13 years after a special Chelsea night.

Because of Bayern’s attacking firepower, their level of performance, combined with home-field advantage, makes them the favourites to win. Chelsea can produce goals, but their defensive weaknesses will be evident and will give opportunities that could be costly.

• Recommendation: Bayern Munich 3-1 Chelsea

• Harry Kane scores, Palmer shines for Chelsea, and the Allianz Arena stays intact.

The Allianz Arena is ready for a blockbuster encounter. Bayern Munich is on the up, while Chelsea is in a rebuilding mode. The ghosts of Munich 2012 are in the air for fans, and there's a chance for players to create new history.

Goals, drama, and a feast of football are expected. And for anyone cheering for the Bundesliga giants or the London Blues, it’s certain that this is why we all love the Champions League.

• Bayern Munich 3 – 1 Chelsea.