Champions League 2025-2026: Bayern Munich-Chelsea, the likely lineups

On the one hand the steamroller of German soccer, 19 goals in five official matches this season, on the other the reigning world champions, who, however, have started the new year with a couple of results below expectations: Bayern Munich and Chelsea face each other at the Allianz Arena on the first day of the Champions League Phase, in a challenge that was also a final, in 2012 (awarded, at the time, the London club).

The Bavarians, led by Vincent Kompany, are coming off a resounding 5-0 league infliction on Hamburg’Hamburg. Among the protagonists of the success was bomber Harry Kane, with a brace: the English striker will be up against the former city rivals from his Tottenham days, and will be the centerpiece of an attack that, in addition to him, will see Olise, Gnabry and Diaz, barring surprises, on the three-quarter line.

The Bavarians, led by Vincent Kompany, are coming from the Bavarian side.

On the other side, Enzo Maresca wants to forget as soon as possible the disappointing 2-2 draw at home to Brentford, with the victory escaped at 92′ by Fabio Carvalho’s goal. Chelsea, like Bayern, will also take the field with one striker, Joao Pedro, and three quarterbacks, Estevao, Palmer and Neto. Caicedo and Fernandez will be on the midfield line instead.

Probable lineups

BAYERN MONACO (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Laimer, Upamecano, Tah, Stanisic; Kimmich, Goretzka; Olise, Gnabry, Diaz; Kane. All. Kompany.

CHELSEA (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Fofana, Chalobah, Adarabioyo, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Estevao, Palmer, Neto; Joao Pedro. All. Maresca.