Two European heavyweights go head-to-head when Bayern Munich hosts Chelsea in matchday one of the Champions League group stage. The German champions return to their fortress fresh from a 5-0 win over Hamburger SV, while Chelsea make their first appearance in this competition since 2022-23. They aim to back up their Club World Cup and Conference League titles with a dominant performance in Munich.
Where to Watch Bayern Munich vs Chelsea
Fans in the United Kingdom can catch the live action on TNT Sports 2. In the United States, Paramount+ and Amazon Prime Video hold the rights. Indian viewers should tune in to Sony Sports Network. Kick-off is set for 8:00 PM BST, 3:00 PM ET (Wednesday), 12:00 PM PT, and 12:30 AM IST (Thursday).
Probable Starting Lineups for Bayern Munich vs. Chelsea
Bayern Munich
GK: Manuel Neuer
Defenders: Mathys Tel, Dayot Upamecano, Jonathan Tah, Noussair Mazraoui
Midfielders: Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Thomas Müller
Forwards: Michael Olise, Harry Kane, Luis Díaz
💫 It is 𝑴𝑨𝑻𝑪𝑯𝑫𝑨𝒀 💫
Heute startet unsere Champions-League-Reise gegen den FC Chelsea! Seid ihr bereit? 🔥 pic.twitter.com/vlvsStZfc4
— FC Bayern München (@FCBayern) September 17, 2025
Chelsea
GK: Robert Sánchez
Defenders: Reece James, Tosin Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella
Midfielders: Moisés Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, Enzo Fernández
Forwards: Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro, Nicolas Jackson
Current Form
Bayern have stormed through the opening weeks of their Bundesliga season with three straight wins, scoring 14 goals and conceding just two. The 5-0 rout of Hamburger SV on Saturday saw Kane and Díaz both on target, showing the threat posed by their attacking quartet.
Chelsea arrive unbeaten in the Premier League, securing two wins and two draws. A late equaliser denied them victory at Brentford last time out, but the return of Palmer from a groin issue and Jackson’s strong start this season have boosted the morale of Maresca’s squad.
Key Battles in Bayern Munich vs Chelsea
Harry Kane vs Dayot Upamecano: Kane’s predatory instincts in the box will test Upamecano’s positioning and aerial ability.
Joshua Kimmich vs Moisés Caicedo: Bayern’s midfield operator faces Chelsea’s new defensive powerhouse in a battle for control.
Luis Díaz vs Marc Cucurella: Díaz’s direct dribbling up against Cucurella’s recovery speed and tackling.
Tactical Analysis of Bayern Munich vs. Chelsea
Bayern will press aggressively to overload wide areas through Olise and Díaz, aiming to spring Kane on through balls from Kimmich and Müller. Kompany’s side also excels at set pieces, with new signings adding to their aerial threat.
Landed in Germany. 🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/T7CD0OyIg4
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 16, 2025
Chelsea will focus on quick transitions, using Caicedo’s ball-winning and Palmer’s creativity to create counter-attacks. Defensive stability rests on Colwill and Adarabioyo, who must keep pace with Bayern’s dynamic front three.
Prediction for Bayern Munich vs. Chelsea
Home advantage and Bayern’s blistering start give them the edge, but Chelsea’s resilience and counter-attack threat mean they will not go quietly. Expect a high-intensity affair settled by a late Kane strike, as Bayern edge a 2-1 win to kick off their Champions League journey in style.
