Harry Kane delivered a masterclass performance, scoring twice to guide Bayern Munich to a 3-1 victory over Chelsea in their Champions League group stage opener. The result marked a frustrating return to Europe’s elite competition for Chelsea, who were left aggrieved by controversial officiating decisions and punished by their own defensive errors.
Chelsea, making their long-awaited return to the Champions League after a two-year absence, started the game brightly and showed attacking intent early on. However, their inability to take chances and a lack of composure at the back allowed Bayern to seize control, extending their remarkable home unbeaten record in the group stages since 2013.
Bright Chelsea Start Fades Into Bayern Pressure
Enzo Maresca’s men looked sharp in the opening minutes, creating several good opportunities. Enzo Fernández nearly gave the Blues a dream lead after being set up by Cole Palmer, but the Argentine midfielder’s effort lacked precision from close range. That missed chance proved costly, as Bayern quickly settled into rhythm.
The deadlock was broken when Michael Olise whipped in a dangerous ball that deflected cruelly off Trevoh Chalobah into his own net, giving the hosts the advantage. Moments later, Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo clipped Kane inside the penalty area, and the England captain coolly converted from the spot, netting his 94th goal for Bayern in just 102 appearances.
Despite the setback, Chelsea showed resilience. Cole Palmer, one of their brightest sparks, combined neatly with Malo Gusto before unleashing a thunderous strike into the top corner to level the game, giving the traveling supporters hope heading into halftime.
Kane Shows His Class Again
Bayern turned up the intensity after the break, with Robert Sánchez producing outstanding saves to keep out Kane and Olise. Yet Chelsea’s defensive sloppiness re-emerged. A misplaced pass in midfield allowed Bayern to regain possession, and Kane pounced on the loose ball in the area before slotting calmly into the bottom corner for his second of the night.
That finish not only restored Bayern’s lead but also pushed Kane’s career tally against Chelsea into double figures, underlining his status as one of their greatest tormentors. The Allianz Arena erupted as Bayern seized full control of the contest.
Chelsea’s Missed Chances and Rising Frustration
Chelsea thought they had pulled one back when Palmer latched onto a precise pass from Andrey Santos and found the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside after a VAR check, dealing another blow to their hopes of a comeback. Tensions flared when Bayern’s Jonathan Tah, already on a yellow card, brought down Joao Pedro but escaped a second booking. Enzo Maresca voiced his anger on the touchline and was himself shown a yellow card for dissent.
The Blues pushed forward in the closing stages but were ultimately undone by poor decision-making and missed opportunities in the final third. Bayern, by contrast, remained clinical, organized, and ruthless, highlighting the gulf in efficiency between the two sides.
Bayern Statement, Chelsea Left Reflecting
The final whistle confirmed Bayern’s strong start to their group stage campaign, maintaining their formidable record at home and sending a clear message of intent to their European rivals. Chelsea, meanwhile, will rue their inability to capitalize on their promising spells, as well as the defensive lapses that gifted Bayern crucial goals.
For Kane, it was another night to remember in Munich, further cementing his reputation as one of Europe’s most consistent strikers. For Chelsea, it was a harsh reminder of the unforgiving nature of the Champions League. Their return to the competition has begun with frustration, and they now face the challenge of regrouping quickly if they are to progress from a demanding group.
