When and Where Is the Match?

The Champions League 2025/26 delivers another blockbuster showdown in its opening round. Bayern Munich host Chelsea this Tuesday, September 17, at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. Kick-off is set for 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT, with Spanish referee José Sánchez in charge.

Bayern Munich’s Preview

The Bavarians look unstoppable. They’ve stormed into the new season with a lethal front line featuring Michael Olise, Harry Kane, and Luis Díaz. The mission is crystal clear: reclaim European glory, something they haven’t achieved since the 2019-20 campaign. Under Vincent Kompany, Bayern are determined to climb back to the top of Europe and prove once again that their attacking firepower is second to none.

Chelsea’s Preview

Chelsea arrive at the tournament as reigning Club World Cup champions, after a dazzling summer that saw them lift the trophy in the United States against PSG. Under Enzo Maresca, the Blues strengthened their squad with big signings and now want to show that their global triumph was no fluke. Tonight’s clash in Germany will be a litmus test to confirm that they can truly challenge for European glory.

Key Players

• Harry Kane (Bayern Munich): the English striker is in red-hot form and will have extra motivation against Chelsea, a rival he knows well from his years at Tottenham.
• Cole Palmer (Chelsea): the young Englishman is enjoying a breakout spell and will be the Blues’ main weapon in one of their toughest away games of the group stage.

Final Outlook

Bookmakers place Bayern as the favorites, but Chelsea did not travel to Germany just to defend. Maresca’s men will aim to leave the Allianz with at least a point to prove their Champions League credentials. A thrilling battle awaits between two heavyweights hungry for European success.