Ahead of Chelsea’s 25/26 campaign we profile all of the teams that they will face in the group stages this season.
The Blues were drawn against the likes of Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Benfica, Ajax, Atalanta, Qarabag, Pafos, and Napoli in what promises to be one of the most fascinating Champions League groups in years.
It is a draw packed with European heavyweights, tricky away trips, and plenty of storylines for Chelsea fans to keep an eye on.
With Bayern Munich the first on the list, we take a closer look at the six-time Champions League winners, a side that has consistently been one of Europe’s most formidable forces.
Known for their attacking flair and relentless efficiency, Bayern enter this campaign once again as one of the tournament’s frontrunners.
Here are the key details to know about Chelsea’s 25/26 Champions League opponent: Bayern Munich Profile.
You can also read the full preview, including key stats, here.
FC Bayern München: Club Profile
Bayern Munich are Germany’s most successful football club and one of Europe’s true superpowers. Founded in 1900, they have grown into a global sporting brand with millions of supporters worldwide.
Domestically, Bayern dominate the Bundesliga, with over 30 league titles, and have built a reputation for relentless consistency and excellence both at home and abroad.
The club is affectionately known as “Die Roten” (The Reds), and their home ground, the Allianz Arena, is one of the most iconic stadiums in world football.
With a capacity of around 75,000 and its distinctive illuminated façade, it is a fortress where Bayern rarely falter.
Currently, Bayern are managed by Vincent Kompany, the former Manchester City captain.
Club Profile Quick Facts:
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Founded: 1900
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Nickname: Die Roten (The Reds)
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Country: Germany
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Stadium: Allianz Arena, Munich (capacity ~75,000)
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Manager: Vincent Kompany
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Domestic Dominance: 34x German Champions, 20x DFB-Pokal winners
Bayern Munich’s European Pedigree
Old Glory: The European Cup Era
Bayern Munich first etched their name into European football history in the 1970s.
The Bavarians achieved an extraordinary feat by winning three consecutive European Champion Clubs’ Cups in 1974, 1975, and 1976, cementing their reputation as one of the continent’s early dynasties.
That success was spearheaded by legends such as Franz Beckenbauer, Sepp Maier, and Gerd Müller, icons who laid the foundation for Bayern’s identity as a club that thrives on the biggest stage.
Modern Era: Champions League Triumphs
After lifting the European Cup three times, Bayern returned to continental dominance in the Champions League era. Their first modern triumph came in 2000/01, when they beat Valencia on penalties.
A new generation, led by Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger, and Arjen Robben, delivered another historic title in 2012/13, defeating Borussia Dortmund in an all-German final at Wembley.
Most recently, in 2019/20, Bayern swept aside Europe’s best with a near-perfect campaign, defeating Paris Saint-Germain in the Lisbon final.
That victory showcased a team defined by pace, pressing, and attacking firepower under Hansi Flick.
European Pedigree Quick Facts:
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6x Champions League/European Cup Titles
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1974, 1975, 1976, 2001, 2013, 2020
Other Major Trophies
Beyond their Champions League pedigree, Bayern Munich boast one of the most extensive trophy collections in world football. They are serial winners not only in Germany but also on the international stage.
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34x German Champions (most recently 2024/25)
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20x German Cup (DFB-Pokal) Winners
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11x German Super Cup Winners (most recently 2025/26)
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6x German League Cup Winners
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2x Intercontinental Cup Winners (1976, 2001)
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2x FIFA Club World Cup Winners (2013/14, 2020/21)
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2x UEFA Super Cup Winners (2013/14, 2020/21)
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1x UEFA Cup Winner (1995/96)
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1x Cup Winners’ Cup Winner (1966/67)
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1x South German Cup Winner (1956/57)
Bayern Munich’s Top Champions League Goalscorers
Bayern’s reputation as an attacking powerhouse has been fuelled by some of the greatest forwards the game has ever seen.
Robert Lewandowski tops their all-time Champions League scoring charts with 69 goals, combining ruthless finishing with consistency across multiple seasons.
Behind him is Thomas Müller with 57 goals, whose ability to find space and deliver in big moments has made him one of Europe’s most reliable performers.
Other legends such as Gerd Müller (34), Arjen Robben (26), and Mario Gomez (24) have also carved their place in Bayern’s history.
Top UCL Goalscorers:
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Robert Lewandowski – 69
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Thomas Müller – 57
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Gerd Müller – 34
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Arjen Robben – 26
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Mario Gomez – 24
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Giovane Élber – 24
Bayern Munich’s Most Experienced Champions League Players
Success at the top level requires not just goals, but consistency, leadership, and endurance. Bayern have been blessed with players who embody these qualities.
Thomas Müller leads the way with an astonishing 165 appearances, underlining his role as a cornerstone of the modern Bayern era.
Manuel Neuer, one of the greatest goalkeepers in history, follows with 130 matches, while club icons Oliver Kahn and Philipp Lahm both registered 107 appearances each.
More recent stalwarts like Joshua Kimmich (96) and David Alaba (94) also feature prominently, illustrating Bayern’s continued production of elite talent.
Most Appearances (UCL):
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Thomas Müller – 165
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Manuel Neuer – 130
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Oliver Kahn – 107
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Philipp Lahm – 107
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Joshua Kimmich – 96
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David Alaba – 94
Chelsea vs Bayern Munich: CL Head-to-Head Record
Chelsea and Bayern Munich have faced each other in several memorable Champions League clashes, often producing high drama and unforgettable moments.
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2004/05 Quarter Final: Chelsea edged a thrilling tie 6-5 on aggregate after a 4-2 win at Stamford Bridge and a 3-2 defeat in Munich.
- 2011/12 Final: The most iconic meeting came at the Allianz Arena. Bayern looked set to win on home soil until Didier Drogba equalised late on and Chelsea went on to win 4-3 on penalties, lifting their first-ever Champions League trophy.
- 2019/20 Round of 16: Bayern gained revenge with a dominant performance, winning 3-0 at Stamford Bridge and 4-1 in Munich for a 7-1 aggregate victory.
- Overall Record: Bayern have more wins overall, but Chelsea’s 2012 triumph remains one of the defining nights in club history.
Top Players Who Played for Both Chelsea and Bayern Munich
Here are a few players who had the rare honour of representing both Chelsea FC and Bayern Munich during their careers:
Arjen Robben
Robben played 10 seasons for Bayern Munich, making 287 appearances and winning numerous trophies, including the 2013 Champions League. Before that, he spent 3 seasons at Chelsea, featuring in 86 matches and helping the Blues secure two Premier League titles.
Claudio Pizarro
The Peruvian striker enjoyed 9 seasons across two spells at Bayern, playing 289 matches and becoming a fan favourite. He also had a short stint at Chelsea, featuring 23 times during the 2007/08 season.
Michael Ballack
Ballack was a midfield general for both clubs. He played 4 seasons at Bayern Munich with 135 appearances, winning Bundesliga titles, before moving to Chelsea where he also spent 4 seasons, playing 138 matches and reaching the 2008 Champions League final.
Quick Facts:
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Arjen Robben: 10 seasons at Bayern (287 matches), 3 seasons at Chelsea (86 matches)
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Claudio Pizarro: 9 seasons at Bayern (289 matches), 1 season at Chelsea (23 matches)
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Michael Ballack: 4 seasons at Bayern (135 matches), 4 seasons at Chelsea (138 matches)
FAQs: Chelsea vs Bayern Munich
1. How many times have Chelsea and Bayern Munich played each other in the Champions League?
Chelsea and Bayern Munich have met five times in the Champions League knockout stages and once in the final. Bayern have generally had the upper hand, but Chelsea famously won the 2012 final on penalties.
2. What is the most famous Chelsea vs Bayern Munich match?
The 2012 Champions League final is the most famous meeting between the two clubs. Chelsea equalised late through Didier Drogba and went on to win 4-3 on penalties at the Allianz Arena, securing their first-ever Champions League trophy.
3. When is the next Chelsea vs Bayern Munich match in the 2025/26 Champions League?
The two clubs meet in the group stage opener on 17 September 2025 at the Allianz Arena in Munich, with kick-off at 8pm UK time.
4. How many Champions League titles have Bayern Munich won compared to Chelsea?
Bayern Munich have won 6 Champions League titles, while Chelsea have won 2. Bayern’s most recent triumph was in 2020, while Chelsea’s last title came in 2021.
