Bayern Munich welcomes Chelsea to their first UEFA Champions League group match. The game is on Wednesday 17 September 2025 8 PM BST, at the Allianz Arena, Munich.
Team News: Bayern Munich and Chelsea:
Bayern Munich has a few of their top players missing. Alphonso Davies is unavailable because of a knee injury. Jamal Musiala is out of action with an ankle issue. Hiroki Ito is unavailable with a foot problem. Raphael Guerreiro suffers from a stomach muscle issue.
Chelsea also has some injuries. Levi Colwill suffers from a knee injury. Dario Essugo is out due to a thigh problem. Benoit Badiashile and Romeo Lavia are uncertain with muscle issues. Estevao is unwell. Liam Delap is also out.
We should be expecting Cole Palmer back in the Chelsea squad. He had a groin issue but played in the last Premier League draw.
Key Players to Watch:
Harry Kane (Bayern): Always a danger in front of goal. He scored two goals in the 5-0 victory over Hamburg recently.
Michael Olise, Serge Gnabry, Luis Diaz (Bayern): These wingers/full forwards provide pace and ability. They can test Chelsea’s defense.
Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea): He can assist to bridge defence and attack. He will be crucial in mid battles.
Moises Caicedo (Chelsea): Good at stopping play. Good tackling and work rate in midfield.
Strategy & Tactics:
Bayern Munich will probably attempt to exploit home advantage. High press, quick attacks down wings, pace of Olise, Diaz, and Gnabry. With some of their attacking players unavailable, they might adapt but still attempt to overwhelm.
Chelsea can attempt to be more conservative. They will have to withstand pressure, employ counterattacks. They will organize with robust midfield protection (Caicedo, Fernandez) to congest Bayern’s build-up. Chelsea will rely on speedy transitions and set pieces maybe.
Author’s Insight:
I believe Bayern Munich will win but not heavily. Possible score: Bayern 2-1 Chelsea. Chelsea could score, but Bayern at home are formidable. Chelsea have had high spots this season but so far have not proved they can play well under sustained pressure away in Europe.
