Key Takeaways:
- Bayern Munich and Chelsea will open their Champions League main phase campaign tonight at the Allianz Arena
- Bayern Munich have achieved five consecutive victories across all competitions ahead of this fixture
- Chelsea approach the match after a 2-2 Premier League draw with Brentford and will be without several key players
Match Preview: European Heavyweights Set for Group Stage Showdown
Bayern Munich and Chelsea will commence their journey in this season’s Champions League with a headline encounter scheduled for 17 September at 22:00 local time. The fixture, hosted at the Allianz Arena, sees two of Europe’s most decorated clubs vying for a perfect start to the group stage, with Spanish referee Jose Sánchez appointed to officiate proceedings. Both sides are determined to lay down a marker as they set out to progress to the knockout rounds of Europe’s elite club competition.
⭐️ 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗚𝗨𝗘 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛𝗗𝗔𝗬 ⭐️
Bring on the Blues! Are you ready? 🔥
🆚 Chelsea FC
🏆 @ChampionsLeague
⌚️ 21:00 CEST
🏟️ Allianz Arena
📲 #FCBCHE pic.twitter.com/JZ7ATqEJFz— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) September 17, 2025
With robust ambitions for a deep run in the tournament, both teams have highlighted the significance of a strong opening performance. Securing three points on matchday one could provide invaluable confidence and momentum, especially given the intensity expected in this year’s battle for qualification.
Recent Form: Bayern Enter in Commanding Shape, Chelsea Seeking Stability
The hosts arrive in formidable condition, boasting a streak of five straight wins across all competitions since the season’s outset. Most recently, Bayern overpowered Hamburger SV 5-0 on 13 September in Bundesliga action. Their prior league outing on 30 August saw them defeat Augsburg away 3-2. Additionally, the Bavarians eliminated Wehen Wiesbaden from the German Cup with a 3-2 result on 27 August, dismantled RB Leipzig 6-0 on 22 August, and lifted the German Supercup following a 2-1 victory against Stuttgart on 16 August.
Contrastingly, Chelsea have experienced a more inconsistent opening to their campaign, recording two wins and two draws in their last five matches. The Blues’ most recent appearance ended in a 2-2 Premier League stalemate versus Brentford on 13 September. Earlier, they triumphed 2-0 over Fulham on 30 August, hammered West Ham 5-1 on 22 August, were held to a goalless draw by Crystal Palace on 17 August, and dispatched Milan 4-1 in a pre-season friendly on 10 August.
Projected Line-Ups and Team News
Bayern manager Vincent Kompany is set to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation. The experienced Manuel Neuer is expected to start in goal, shielded by a defensive quartet of Konrad Laimer, Dayot Upamecano, Jonathan Tah, and Josip Stanišić. The midfield pairing features Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka, while the attacking trident of Michael Olise, Serge Gnabry, and Luis Díaz will support striker Harry Kane. Injuries rule out Jamal Musiala, Hiroki Ito, and Alphonso Davies.
Enzo Maresca will mirror the same system for Chelsea, with Robert Sánchez between the posts. The defensive line is likely to comprise Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, and Marc Cucurella. In midfield, Moisés Caicedo will be partnered by Enzo Fernández. Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens are poised to play behind João Pedro in attack. Chelsea will be without the sidelined Levi Colwill, Dário Essugo, and Liam Delap, and the suspended Mykhailo Mudryk. Benoît Badiashile and Romeo Lavia remain doubts, whilst Estevão is currently unwell.
| Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1) | Chelsea (4-2-3-1) |
|---|---|
| Manuel Neuer | Robert Sánchez |
| Konrad Laimer | Reece James |
| Dayot Upamecano | Wesley Fofana |
| Jonathan Tah | Trevoh Chalobah |
| Josip Stanišić | Marc Cucurella |
| Joshua Kimmich | Moisés Caicedo |
| Leon Goretzka | Enzo Fernández |
| Michael Olise | Pedro Neto |
| Serge Gnabry | Cole Palmer |
| Luis Díaz | Jamie Bynoe-Gittens |
| Harry Kane | João Pedro |
Unavailable and Doubtful Players
- Bayern Munich: Jamal Musiala, Hiroki Ito, Alphonso Davies (injured)
- Chelsea: Levi Colwill, Dário Essugo, Liam Delap (injured); Mykhailo Mudryk (suspended); Benoît Badiashile, Romeo Lavia (doubtful); Estevão (ill)
The opening fixture between Bayern Munich and Chelsea promises to be one of the marquee clashes of the Champions League group stage, with both sides looking to assert their credentials on the continental stage from the outset.
