Bayern Munich Vs Chelsea Champions League: Die Roten Is Always Perfect In Opening Matches

Luis Diaz, the new Bayern Munich star (photo: x @FCBayernEN)

The first week of the Champions League grand fight will be presented at the Allianz Arena, when Bayern Munich host Chelsea on Wednesday night, September 17 local time. This match presents a classic feel, considering the two teams had met in the 2012 final, where the Blues came out as champions via a penalty shootout drama. Now, more than a decade later, the two are reunited in the latest edition of the Champions League league phase.

Bayern, who is now being handled by Vincent Kompany, comes with the status of a European giant who is still hungry for title. The last time Die Roten dominated the blue continent was in 2020, when they defeated Paris Saint-Germain in the final match which was held without spectators due to the pandemic. Since then, Bayern have often stopped in the quarter-finals or semifinals, even though they still dominate in domestic competitions.

This season, Bayern performed perfectly. They have won five Bundesliga matches in a row and have just crushed Hamburg with a landslide score of 5-0. In addition, Kompany has led his team to lift the first trophy of the season through victory in the German Super Cup. This dominance further confirms that Bayern is ready to target the European crown which they have been waiting for for for for too long.

The Inggriculty of the Allianz Arena has also become a big asset. Bayern have never lost in the Champions League group stage at home since December 2013, when they were humiliated by Manchester City, which at that time was still reinforced by Company as a player. Even more astonishing, Die Roten has always won in the opening match of the Champions League for the last 22 seasons.

On the other hand, Chelsea came with the spirit of revival. After two seasons of absence, the Blues finally returned to the Champions League. Despite stumbling in the Premier League last season, victory over Nottingham Forest in the last week secured their ticket to Europe's elite competition.

Chelsea's achievements in Europe last season also deserve appreciation. Enzo Maresca's team won the UEFA Conference League by beating Real Betis in the final. The trophy made Chelsea the first club to win all competitions between UEFA clubs: Champions League, Europa League, Super Cup, and Conference League.

However, Chelsea's journey at the start of the Premier League season has not been very smooth. From the first four matches, they only won two wins, while the other two ended in a draw, including when Brentford 2-2 was detained with a long throw typical of The Bees last weekend.

The history of the meeting also did not side with the Blues in the latest duel. After the 2012 tragedy, Bayern managed to reply with three consecutive wins over Chelsea, including a landslide 7-1 win on aggregate in the last 16 of the 2019-20 Champions League season.

Bayern had to lose several key players. Jamal Musiala, a former Chelsea young player who is now a German star, is still long absent due to a broken bone injury at the Club World Cup. Alphonso Davies (lutut) and Hiroki Ito (leg) also could not perform, while Raphael Guerreiro added to the list of injuries after experiencing rib problem.

But the front line is still scary. Harry Kane, the main bomber, is confirmed to appear, with Luis Diaz's support on fire after scoring goals in three consecutive Bundesliga games.

Chelsea also came without full strength. Mykhaylo Mudryk was absent due to suspension, while Liam Delap, Benoit Badiashile, Romeo Lavia, and Dario Escugo were injured. Brazilian Wonderkid Estevao Willian is doubtful because of illness, while Facundo Buonanotte is not on the league stage squad list.

Even so, there is positive news. Cole Palmer is in good shape and ready to go down from the start after scoring a goal against Brentford. Joao Pedro is also an important figure, with a record of five goals contributing in just four Premier League games. The record makes him level with Eden Hazard who once hit a record similar to sooner at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have proven themselves to be the giant conquest after defeating PSG in the Club World Cup final a few months ago. Therefore, nothing can rule out the possibility of the Blues stealing points in Munich.

However, facing Bayern who have a sharp front line and winning tradition in the Champions League opener is clearly a tough challenge. With the full support of the Allianz Arena public, Bayern is believed to remain too strong for Chelsea.

Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1):Neuer; Laimer, Upamecano, Tah, Stanisic; Kimmich, Pavlovic; Olise, Gnabry, Diaz; Kane

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Pedro

Score prediction: Bayern Munich 3-2 Chelsea