On Wednesday, Bayern Munich and Chelsea, the 2012 Champions League finalists, will reignite their rivalry in a thrilling league phase showdown at the Allianz Arena. 

Vincent Kompany’s Bayern have been relentless this season, while Chelsea, still unbeaten, have been held to two draws in Premier League derbies.

Bayern’s quest for another Champions League title has been elusive since their 2020 triumph over Paris Saint-Germain in an empty stadium. The German giants have endured four quarter-final exits and a semi-final loss in the past five years. 

Meanwhile, Chelsea return to Europe’s elite competition after a two-year absence, fresh off their historic conference league victory against Real Betis, making them the first club to win every UEFA competition, including the Champions League, Europa League, and UEFA Super Cup.

The 2012 final in Munich remains a cherished memory for Chelsea, but Bayern have dominated recent encounters, winning three straight matches, including a 7-1 aggregate thrashing in the 2019-20 Champions League round of 16. 

Team News

Bayern’s Harry Kane is expected to lead the line, with Nicolas Jackson likely benched despite being eligible against his parent club. Luis Diaz, who matched a Bayern record by scoring in his first three Bundesliga games, will feature on the left. 

On the other hand, Chelsea face injury concerns, with Liam Delap (hamstring), Benoit Badiashile (unspecified), Romeo Lavia (unspecified), and Dario Essugo (thigh) sidelined. Mykhaylo Mudryk is banned, and Estevao Willian’s availability is uncertain due to illness. Facundo Buonanotte was omitted from Enzo Maresca’s league phase squad.

This highly anticipated clash promises intensity and drama as both sides vie for early supremacy in the Champions League. Bayern’s firepower and home advantage will be tested by Chelsea’s resilience and European pedigree, setting the stage for a blockbuster encounter.