Champions League: Bayern Munich Host Chelsea in Group Stage

Bayern Munich vs Chelsea, A Champions League Rematch

Read about the upcoming Champions League match between Bayern Munich and Chelsea. Find out what former Bayern striker Claudio Pizarro thinks about Nicolas Jackson's arrival.

“I have to come in, score my goals, be ready to do my thing when I have the chance...”

Bayern Munich's revamped squad kicks off their Champions League campaign against Club World Cup winners Chelsea at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday. This match marks a rematch of the 2012 final, where Chelsea emerged victorious in a penalty shootout. Bayern's summer overhaul saw key players like Leroy Sane, Kingsley Coman, Thomas Mueller, and Mathys Tel depart, with only Luis Diaz from Liverpool and Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea on loan joining the team.

Bayern captain Harry Kane has expressed concerns about the squad's depth, calling it “thin” and “maybe one of the smallest I've had in my career.” Despite this, Kane believes Nicolas Jackson can play a crucial role, saying, “I don't see him as a back-up — I see him as an attacking player who can help us.” Former Bayern striker Claudio Pizarro, who had a stint at Chelsea, notes that Jackson's role will be challenging but could spark healthy competition within the team.

Bayern Munich's squad has undergone significant changes, with notable departures including Leroy Sane, Kingsley Coman, Thomas Muller, and Mathys Tel. Despite these losses, the team has only brought in two new players: Luis Diaz from Liverpool and Nicolas Jackson on loan from Chelsea. This limited recruitment has drawn criticism, particularly given the long-term injuries to key players like Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies.

Luis Díaz has gotten off to a blistering start in Germany, notching four goals and two assists in his first five games for Bayern Munich. However, his team's next challenge, Chelsea, might prove to be a significant hurdle. Chelsea's impressive form was on full display when they won the Club World Cup just two months ago, dominating Paris Saint-Germain in the process.

Chelsea are officially the first winner's of the Club World Cup 🏆

FIFA have renamed all previous winners of the tournament to 'FIFA Intercontinental Champions' 👀 pic.twitter.com/uDohv0C2kc

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) July 14, 2025

Díaz's performance in the Bundesliga has been impressive so far, with three goals in three league matches. Given Chelsea's strong recent form, Bayern Munich will need Díaz and the rest of the team to be at their best to come out on top.

Bayern Munich is expected to navigate the league phase, but their goal is to qualify directly for the knockout rounds, avoiding the two-legged playoff tie. Last season, they finished 12th and had a tough time overcoming Celtic in the playoffs, managing to win 3-2 on aggregate. Harry Kane acknowledged that the additional burden of the playoffs affected their momentum later in the season.

 

Bayern Munich to progress through the league phase, but their primary goal is to secure direct qualification for the knockout rounds, thereby avoiding the two-legged playoff tie. Last season, Bayern finished 12th in the league phase and had a tough time advancing past Celtic in the playoffs, managing a narrow 3-2 aggregate win. Bayern's captain, Harry Kane, recently acknowledged that the extra burden of the playoffs had a detrimental effect on the team's momentum later in the season.

“It's important to be in the top eight because that extra game can make a big difference.

“Last year, playing that Celtic game home and away in our busiest period, it made a big difference, and we ended up losing a few players after that period in March.

“It's important to start well.”

Bayern Munich vs Chelsea: A Rematch with History at Stake

Just over 13 years ago, Chelsea pulled off a stunning upset against Bayern Munich in the Champions League final, winning 4-3 in a penalty shootout after the game ended 1-1 in regular time. Bayern Munich had the home advantage at the Allianz Arena, but Chelsea's resilience and determination paid off. Thomas Muller gave Bayern the lead with a header in the 83rd minute, but Didier Drogba's powerful equalizer in the 88th minute sent the match into extra time.

The penalty shootout was dramatic, with Chelsea ultimately emerging victorious. Arjen Robben's penalty was saved by Petr Cech in extra time, and Chelsea capitalized on Bayern's mistakes to win the shootout 4-3. Drogba scored the winning penalty, securing Chelsea's first Champions League title in the club's history.

Fast-forward to the present, and both teams have since won another Champions League title. With Thomas Muller's departure from Bayern Munich, captain Manuel Neuer will be the only player from either team to participate in their upcoming match on Wednesday. This rematch promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams looking to make a strong impression in the competition.

“I think a lot of people assume that, but he's someone who can play across the whole front four, and I think there'll be many times we'll play together.

“I don't see him as a back-up - I see him as an attacking player who can help us.”

Nicolas Jackson's journey with Bayern Munich has been quite the rollercoaster. After a series of complex negotiations, he finally joined the German giants on loan from Chelsea, with a potential buyout clause of €65 million. Jackson's move wasn't without its challenges - Chelsea initially canceled the deal due to Liam Delap's injury, but Bayern Munich persisted, and he eventually signed a loan agreement with a mandatory purchase obligation under certain conditions.

See you soon, @ChelseaFC 👋 pic.twitter.com/IY0a98l0Ej

— 🇺🇸 FC Bayern US 🇨🇦 (@FCBayernUS) September 15, 2025

Bayern Munich's Current Attack

Harry Kane: Impressing with his goal-scoring prowess

Luis Diaz: Contributing three goals and two assists this season

Michael Olise: Showing promise with his attacking skills

Serge Gnabry: Experienced winger with speed and skill

Given the strong competition, Jackson might face limited opportunities initially. However, Harry Kane has expressed confidence in Jackson's abilities, highlighting his potential to make a significant impact. Jackson's own words reflect his determination and eagerness to prove himself, despite past criticisms about missing crucial chances.

Claudio Pizarro, a former Bayern striker, knows the role Nicolas Jackson might find himself in. Pizarro spent nearly 15 years with Bayern, often serving as a super-sub behind stars like Mario Gomez, Mario Mandzukic, and Robert Lewandowski. During his time at Bayern, Pizarro learned to adapt and contribute when called upon.

Pizarro believes the current Bayern team is looking good, with Luis Díaz impressing in his performances. He notes that Bayern's squad depth and ability to stay fit will be crucial in their Champions League campaign. Pizarro also shared his thoughts on Chelsea, saying they have talent but need to play as a strong unit to achieve their goals.

As a player who experienced success with Bayern, including winning the Champions League and Bundesliga titles, Pizarro's insights offer valuable perspective on what it takes to succeed in top-level football. His time at Chelsea also taught him the importance of teamwork, as he mentioned that individual talent isn't enough without a cohesive unit.

“I have to come in, score my goals, be ready to do my thing when I have the chance.

“It's a hard role to play. I hope (Jackson) will adapt like Luis (Diaz).”

Claudio Pizarro, a six-time German champion, believes Nicolas Jackson's arrival at Bayern Munich could spark healthy competition within the team, similar to what drove them to the treble in 2013. During his time at Bayern, Pizarro witnessed firsthand the intense rivalry between wingers Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery, which pushed the team to achieve greater success. This dynamic duo's competitive spirit and desire to outperform each other played a significant role in Bayern's dominance during that period.

“One wanted to be the best, the other as well: Franck and Arjen. They were great for us, but they always wanted to be better than the other.

“It was a good fight.”

Pizarro's comments highlight the importance of competition and teamwork in achieving success. By fostering a competitive environment, Bayern Munich can encourage players to push themselves and each other to new heights, ultimately driving the team to greater success.

Team News:

Bayern Munich's Injuries: Jamal Musiala, Alphonso Davies, and Hiroki Ito are out with long-term injuries, while Raphaël Guerreiro struggles with an abdominal issue.

Chelsea's Injuries: Liam Delap, Levi Colwill, Benoît Badiashile, and Romeo Lavia are missing, with Dario Essugo out long-term. Mykhailo Mudryk is suspended, and Cole Palmer's participation is uncertain.