Chelsea return to the Allianz Arena for the first time in five years on Wednesday night, as their 2025–26 Champions League campaign gets underway.
The Blues have been dealt a tough league phase draw, and their daunting set of fixtures begins with arguably their most daunting challenge. Bayern Munich reclaimed their Bundesliga crown last term, and already are threatening to canter to another domestic title.
Chelsea doubtless have a squad deep enough to compete on multiple fronts in Enzo Maresca’s second year at the helm, and their capacity to compete with Europe’s best was on display at the very end of the summer’s Club World Cup. However, the Blues have already been set back by injuries at the start of the new season, and some have bemoaned the lack of superstar quality despite their recent splurges.
Crucially, though, Maresca has his most prized asset fit and available again. Here’s how Chelsea could line up against Bayern Munich in Gameweek 1 of the league phase.
