Chelsea return to Europe after a two-year absence with a mouthwatering encounter at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday.
The Blues are back on the continent’s biggest stage, aiming to make an immediate impact in the Champions League group stage.
It is a ground where Chelsea have fond memories, having lifted their first Champions League trophy there against the same opposition in 2012.
That dramatic final saw the London club triumph 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, creating one of the most iconic moments in the club’s history.
However, recent meetings with Bayern have been less favourable. The German giants have dominated in the last few encounters, particularly in the 2019/20 round of 16, where Bayern won 3-0 in London and 4-1 in Munich on their way to lifting the trophy.
Chelsea will be hoping to put on a strong performance and demonstrate why they are reigning World champions.
Here is your Bayern Munich vs Chelsea Preview.
Bayern Munich vs Chelsea: Match Preview
Bayern Munich enter this group-stage clash as one of Europe’s most in-form sides.
Under Vincent Kompany, the Bundesliga champions have made a blistering start domestically, remaining unbeaten while already claiming the German Super Cup and producing a resounding 5-0 victory over Hamburg.
Their home record in Europe is particularly intimidating: Bayern have gone 34 group-stage matches without defeat at the Allianz Arena, scoring in 54 of their last 56 games.
Their attacking prowess, led by Harry Kane and Luis Diaz, makes them a formidable opponent for any team.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are brimming with confidence after a historic 2024-25 season, which saw them become the first club to win every UEFA competition following their Conference League triumph.
The Blues have been consistent in Europe, winning 12 of their last 13 continental fixtures and remaining unbeaten in their last ten UEFA group-stage games.
While their Premier League campaign has been steady, they have been frustrated in two of their first four London derbies, underlining the challenge of balancing domestic and European demands.
Tactically, this clash is likely to be a fascinating midfield battle. Both teams are ball-dominant and will look to control possession, each aiming to dictate the tempo and claim a lion’s share of the ball. Bayern will seek to assert themselves through patient build-up and exploit spaces behind Chelsea’s full-backs.
Meanwhile, Chelsea could replicate the template that served them so well against PSG in the Club World Cup, using long balls and quick transitions to target any weaker full-back.
With both sides capable of scoring and competing in possession, this promises to be an intense, end-to-end contest.
Previous Meetings
Chelsea and Bayern share a rich European history, with some unforgettable encounters between the clubs.
Most famously, Chelsea lifted their first Champions League trophy at the Fußball Arena München in 2012, beating Bayern 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
However, recent meetings have tilted in Bayern’s favour, with the 2019/20 round of 16 seeing Bayern dominate over two legs. Earlier encounters in 2004/05 also showcased tight, competitive ties, reflecting the long-standing rivalry between these European heavyweights.
| Season | Stage | H/A | Date | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011/12 | Final | A | 19.05.2012 | Bayern 1-1 Chelsea (Chelsea won 5-4 on penalties) |
| 2019/20 | Last 16 1st leg | H | 25.02.2020 | Chelsea 0-3 Bayern |
| 2019/20 | Last 16 2nd leg | A | 08.08.2020 | Bayern 4-1 Chelsea |
| 2004/05 | Quarter-Finals 1st leg | H | 06.04.2005 | Chelsea 4-2 Bayern |
| 2004/05 | Quarter-Finals 2nd leg | A | 12.04.2005 | Bayern 3-2 Chelsea |
Team News
Bayern Munich have several injury concerns heading into the match. Jamal Musiala remains sidelined after a serious leg and ankle injury sustained at the Club World Cup.
Defenders Hiroki Ito and Alphonso Davies are also out, while Raphael Guerreiro is nursing a rib issue after a recent substitution against Hamburg.
Nicolas Jackson is eligible to play against his parent club but is expected to make way for talisman Harry Kane, with Luis Diaz continuing on the left wing after a record-equalling start to the Bundesliga season.
Chelsea have their own injury concerns to manage. Liam Delap and Dario Essugo are sidelined, while Benoit Badiashile and Romeo Lavia missed the recent clash with Brentford, and their availability for the trip to Munich remains uncertain.
Mykhaylo Mudryk serves a suspension, and Estevao Willian is a doubt due to illness.
On a brighter note, Cole Palmer impressed off the bench in the 2-2 draw with Brentford and looks set to play a key role as the Blues aim to challenge Bayern on their own turf.
Key Stats
Bayern have been beaten in only three of their last 48 Champions League group-stage/league-phase games (W41 D4).
The Munich club are unbeaten in their last 34 home group-stage matches (W32 D2), since a 2-3 loss against Manchester City in December 2013.
Bayern have scored in 54 of their last 56 Champions League matches in Munich.
Chelsea have been victorious in 12 of their last 13 European games (L1).
The Blues have won their last ten games in the group stage/league phase of UEFA competition.
Chelsea have lost only two of their last 23 matches in the Champions League group stage/league phase (W15 D6).
Bayern have won eight of their last ten home matches against English teams (D1 L1).
Chelsea have won their last two games against German teams 2-0 and lost only two of their last 11 Champions League group-stage matches against Bundesliga clubs (W7 D2).
Bayern have won their opening match in each of the last 21 Champions League campaigns, keeping 18 clean sheets.
