Wed Sep 17 18:20:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Bayern Munich and Chelsea are set to face off at the Allianz Arena in their opening Champions League match. Bayern is coming off a strong start to their season with Harry Kane in stellar form, while Chelsea is returning to the Champions League after a two-year absence. The game features several interesting subplots, including Nicolas Jackson facing his former club after a loan move to Bayern and the potential for returning fond memories of Chelsea’s 2012 Champions League triumph at the same stadium. Other news includes Mourinho close to agreeing a deal to coach Benfica.

**News Article:**

**Champions League Clash: Bayern Munich Hosts Chelsea in Highly Anticipated Matchup**

**Munich, Germany** – Bayern Munich and Chelsea are set to clash at the Allianz Arena tonight in what promises to be a thrilling opening match of the Champions League group stage.

Bayern, led by a red-hot Harry Kane, who has notched eight goals and three assists in just five matches this season, are coming into the game with a perfect record. Manager Vincent Kompany expressed confidence, stating, “We want to win the Champions League, everyone’s 100 per cent up for this competition.”

Chelsea, returning to Europe’s top table after a two-year hiatus, face a stern test against the German giants. Manager Enzo Maresca acknowledged Bayern as one of the favorites to win the competition but insisted his team is prepared to compete. Reece James echoed this sentiment, expressing confidence in Chelsea’s ability to challenge the best teams.

Adding an intriguing layer to the match is the potential appearance of Nicolas Jackson, who recently joined Bayern on loan from Chelsea. His familiarity with his former teammates’ playing style could give Bayern an edge.

The game also brings back fond memories for Chelsea fans, as the Allianz Arena was the site of their historic 2012 Champions League victory.

**Team Lineups:**

* **Bayern Munich:** Neuer, Laimer, Upamecano, Tah, Stanisic, Kimmich, Pavlovic, Olise, Gnabry, Diaz, Kane.
* **Chelsea:** Sanchez, Gusto, Adarabioyo, Chalobah, Cucurella, James, Caicedo, Palmer, Fernandez, Pedro Neto, Joao Pedro.

**In other news:** Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly in advanced talks with Benfica.

**Other highlights:**
* Felix Magath, the former manager, who was not happy when Bayern Munich lost to Chelsea in 2004/05, played chess against Garry Kasparov in 1985.

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