The Matchday 1 clash of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League group stage between Bayern Munich (Germany) and Chelsea (England) will be held on September 17 at the Allianz Arena in Munich. Bayern vs. Chelsea: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Bayern Munich
Last season, the Munich team reclaimed their Bundesliga title, marking their 18th consecutive appearance in the Champions League group stage. During this period, the Germans reached the final four times and won the tournament twice. In the previous Champions League season, Vincent Kompany's squad advanced to the quarter-finals, where they were eliminated by Inter Milan (1-2, 2-2). Notably, the defeat to the Italians was Bayern's only loss in their last seven Champions League matches (4 wins, 2 draws). Additionally, Bayern has won their opening match in each of the last 21 seasons in this competition.
- The Munich side has scored at least two goals in 5 of their last 7 Champions League encounters.
- The club has not conceded more than one goal in 6 of their last 7 home games in this tournament.
- At home, Bayern has won 5 of their last 7 Champions League matches (1 draw, 1 loss).
Predicted lineup for Bayern Munich (4-5-1)
Manuel Neuer – Josip Stanisic, Dayot Upamecano, Jonathan Tah, Konrad Laimer – Serge Gnabry, Michael Olise, Leon Goretzka, Joshua Kimmich, Luis Diaz – Harry Kane.
Defenders Alphonso Davies, Raphael Guerreiro, and Hiroki Ito, along with midfielder Jamal Musiala, are injured.
Chelsea
Finishing fourth in last season's English Premier League secured a Champions League spot for Enzo Maresca's team. Chelsea has not been in the Champions League since the 2022/23 season, when they reached the quarter-finals for the third consecutive time. After a year without European competition, the club triumphed in the previous UEFA Europa Conference League. Thus, Chelsea became the only team to have won all major UEFA tournaments. Notably, Chelsea has an eight-match unbeaten streak in the Champions League (5 wins, 3 losses).
- At least one opponent failed to score in 6 of Chelsea's last 8 Champions League matches.
- On the road, the club has not lost in 12 of their last 16 games in this tournament (10 wins, 2 draws).
- In 6 of their last 7 away Champions League matches, the British side did not concede more than one goal.
Predicted lineup for Chelsea (4-3-3)
Robert Sanchez – Malo Gusto, Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Cucurella – Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Joao Pedro Jesus – Pedro Neto, Estevan, Cole Palmer.
Injured for Chelsea are defenders Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, forward Liam Delap, and midfielder Dario Essugo.
Referee
Jose Maria Sanchez Martinez (Spain)
Matches – 15 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 49;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.3;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 21;
Penalties – 13%.
Bayern Munich vs. Chelsea: Match Prediction
The Munich side has started the season strongly as usual. Bayern has won all 5 official matches, scoring 19 goals in the process. The team regularly finds the net not only in domestic competitions. Vincent Kompany's side has scored in 7 consecutive Champions League matches, netting at least twice in 5 of those games. However, Bayern kept a clean sheet only four times in the entire last Champions League season.
Chelsea also claimed the last FIFA Club World Cup. The English side scored in every match of that tournament and only limited themselves to one goal in two games. The team had no issues in attack in the Champions League either, scoring in 16 of their last 20 away matches. However, there are still questions about their defense, which conceded in 7 of their last 8 away games in the Champions League.
Two teams with strong attacking prowess are unlikely to produce a dull game. My prediction – Both teams to score – Yes
