In the standout match of the 2025-26 Champions League opening round, all attention will be on the Allianz Arena this Wednesday as German powerhouse Bayern Munich takes on English giants Chelsea in a rematch of the famous 2012 final.
Vincent Kompany's team comes into the game in excellent form. The Blues remain unbeaten this season, but they have been frustrated by two recent draws in London derbies in the Premier League.
Bayern Munich: A Stronghold
Bayern aims to end their quest for European glory, a title they have not won since 2020. Despite losing in the quarter-finals in four of the last five seasons, the Bavarian team has started this campaign on a high note. Kompany’s squad has won all five of their matches, recently claiming the German Super Cup and crushing Hamburg 5-0.
Chelsea: The Champions Return
Chelsea returns to the Champions League after a two-year break, but they do so as the reigning Club World Cup champions. Recently, they made history by winning the Conference League, becoming the first team ever to win every major UEFA club competition.
However, Enzo Maresca’s team has shown some weakness, stumbling to two frustrating draws, including a 2-2 result against Brentford.
Team News: Key Players Missing on Both Sides
Bayern will be without their star playmaker Jamal Musiala, a former Chelsea youth player, who is recovering from a serious leg injury. He is joined on the sidelines by defenders Hiroki Ito, Alphonso Davies, and Raphael Guerreiro, who has a rib injury.
Chelsea is dealing with a long list of absences, including Levi Colwill, Liam Delap, Benoit Badiashile, Romeo Lavia, and Dario Essugo, along with the suspended Mykhailo Mudryk. On a positive note, Estevao has recovered from illness, and Cole Palmer is expected to start after his goal-scoring performance in the last match.
Bayern Munich possible starting lineup:
Neuer; Laimer, Upamecano, Tah, Stanišić; Kimmich, Pavlović; Olise, Gnabry, Díaz; Kane.
Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Sánchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Fernández, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Pedro.
