Chelsea have history against them as they face Champions League test against Bayern Munich

 

Chelsea face Bayern Munich in a Champions League clash that pits two in-form sides against one another. Bayern have started their Bundesliga campaign in dominant fashion, with three straight wins, 14 goals scored, and just two conceded under Vincent Kompany. Chelsea, managed by Enzo Maresca, are also unbeaten domestically, recording two wins and two draws while scoring nine goals and conceding only three.

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The Bavarians have an imposing record at home against English sides, losing just one of their last 11 matches in the competition. They have claimed victories over Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham, and Chelsea, with the only defeat coming to Liverpool in 2019. Bayern’s Champions League win percentage in the league phase since 2003 is the best in Europe, underlining the challenge the Blues face.

Manuel Neuer is on the verge of becoming only the fourth player to reach 100 Champions League victories, while Harry Kane will look to improve his modest scoring record against Chelsea. Joshua Kimmich, who led the competition in passes and chance creation last season, is another threat. With Serge Gnabry and Michael Olise in form, Bayern will be full of confidence at the Allianz Arena.

Chelsea enter the tie as underdogs, but they carry belief and history with them. The Blues famously lifted their first Champions League trophy in Munich in 2012, defeating Bayern on penalties. They also showed their resilience on the big stage when they beat Paris Saint-Germain to win the Club World Cup last season.

Cole Palmer remains central to Chelsea’s hopes. The attacking midfielder ended his goal drought in open play against Brentford, adding to his eight goal contributions in his last eight games in international competitions. His creativity and calm finishing will be vital if the Blues are to trouble Bayern’s defence. Teenage talent Estevao could make his debut, with the chance to set a record as the youngest South American goalscorer in Champions League history.

Despite Bayern winning three of their last four meetings, Chelsea have improved under Maresca and may relish the underdog tag. The key will be discipline, resilience, and perhaps an early goal to unsettle the Allianz Arena crowd. Bayern’s quality makes them favourites, but Chelsea’s mix of youth, form, and history means the game is far from decided. The contest promises to be one of the highlights of matchday one in the Champions League.

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