
European football’s elite competition returns this week as German giants Bayern Munich welcome England’s Chelsea FC to the Allianz Arena for a blockbuster UEFA Champions League league phase opener. The match is scheduled for Tuesday, September 17, with an 8:00 PM CEST kick-off.
Bayern Munich enters the match as clear favorites, boasting a formidable record at home. The Bavarian club is undefeated in their last 34 Champions League matches at the Allianz Arena, a staggering streak that dates back to 2013. Their strong start to the new Bundesliga season further solidifies their status. However, manager Thomas Tuchel will have to navigate the opener without key players Hiroki Ito and João Palhinha, who are sidelined with injuries. The team will look to on-loan striker Nicolas Jackson to provide a spark in the final third.
For Chelsea, this match marks a triumphant return to Europe’s top table after missing out on the competition last season. The Blues are riding a wave of confidence following a Club World Cup victory and a solid opening to their Premier League campaign under manager Enzo Maresca. Their success will heavily rely on the form of playmaker Cole Palmer, though they face a potential selection headache with captain Reece James among those who may be unavailable.
The historical edge in this fixture belongs slightly to Bayern Munich. The two clubs have met on eight previous occasions in European competition, with the German side often having the upper hand.