Chelsea Face Bayern Munich in Champions League Opener
Chelsea will kick off their UEFA Champions League group stage campaign with a high-profile trip to Bayern Munich, marking their first away match in Bavaria this season. The match represents a return to a familiar theatre of European competition for the Blues.
Recent Form & Context
Chelsea are back in Europe’s premier club competition after a two-year absence, riding on the momentum of having won the UEFA Conference League.
In prior Champions League group stages, Chelsea have recorded strong results: in 2022, the team won all four of its Group E matches. Over their last 23 group stage games, they have secured 15 wins, suffering just two losses (both away) before this match.
Bayern, meanwhile, reaffirmed their domestic dominance by clinching the Bundesliga title last season and have started the new campaign in commanding fashion. Their latest Bundesliga fixture was a 5-0 win over Hamburg.
Team News & Injuries
Chelsea will be without Benoît Badiashile and Romeo Lavia, both sidelined with injuries.
Dario Essugo is also unavailable following thigh surgery following international duty.
Facundo Buonanotte has been added to Chelsea’s Champions League squad.
Manager Enzo Maresca confirmed that Robert Sánchez will start in goal.
There’s uncertainty around Cole Palmer’s role: he scored off the bench in their recent Premier League game (a 2-2 draw with Brentford) and may feature from the start.
Historical Notes & Stakes
Chelsea travel to Germany with a mixed history. Although they’ve faced Bundesliga sides many times (27 previous encounters), recent away trips to Germany have been difficult.
That said, in the last 11 Champions League matches against German clubs, Chelsea have won seven, drawn two, and lost only two.
The match revives memories of Chelsea’s most famous win there: the Champions League semi-final second leg against Bayern in May 2012, when Didier Drogba’s penalty sealed the club’s first Champions League title.
What’s at Stake
This contest opens a new Champions League format, with more teams participating in the group stage and a change in scheduling. Chelsea will want to lay down a marker.
Success on the road has been slightly intermittent for Chelsea in Germany, so a solid performance here would boost confidence.