One of the most exciting matches of Matchday 1 of the UEFA Champions League: Bayern Munich vs Chelsea will take place at the Allianz Arena.
The match marks Chelsea’s return to Europe’s elite competition after a two-season absence, during which they managed to secure both the Conference League and Club World Cup titles.
For football fans around the world, this matchup represents must-see television, pitting two of Europe’s most historic clubs against each other in what will be a thrilling clash.
This comprehensive guide will help you catch the action, with kick-off times, TV coverage, and everything you need to know about live streaming options.
Match preview
The most memorable meeting between the two clubs was in the 2012 Champions League final, when Chelsea stunned Bayern at home.
Didier Drogba’s dramatic late equaliser forced extra time before the game was won on penalties. That victory gave Chelsea their first Champions League title.
However, the two teams last met in the 2019–20 Champions League round of 16, with Bayern winning 4–1 in London to secure a 7–1 aggregate victory.
Bayern Munich have started the 2025/26 Bundesliga season with three wins from three games, scoring 14 goals and conceding just two.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are back in the Champions League for the first time since their quarter-final exit to Real Madrid in 2022–23.
Under manager Enzo Maresca, the Blues have shown flashes of quality and inconsistency, most recently dropping points deep into stoppage time against Brentford in the Premier League.
That result suggests Chelsea will face challenges when they play at the Allianz Arena.
How to Watch: TV Channel and Live Stream
Football fans around the world have plenty of options to watch this blockbuster clash.
The 2025-26 UEFA Champions League match between Juventus and Borussia Dortmund will be broadcast on a variety of platforms depending on your location.
Below is a detailed breakdown of viewing options by region:
United Kingdom
- TV Channel: TNT Sports 2
- Live Stream: Amazon Prime Video, Discovery+ app, and website.
United States
- Live Stream: Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video, ViX
India
- TV Channel: SONY TEN 1, SONY TEN 1 HD
- Live Stream: JioTV, Sony LIV
Australia
- Live Stream: Stan Sport
For viewers outside these regions, UEFA usually partners with the major broadcasters in each country. You can check local listings or livesoccertv.com for exact details.
If you are abroad during the match, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) to access your usual streaming service.
Services like NordVPN allow you to establish a secure online connection that can bypass geographical restrictions.
Team News and Expected Lineups
Bayern Munich
The Bavarians have some significant injury concerns, particularly in defence. Rafael Guerrero is unavailable after suffering a groin injury against Hamburger SV, while Alphonso Davies (ACL) and Hiroki Eto’o (foot) are both out of the squad.
These absences leave Kompany without a natural left-back, meaning right-back Sacha Boa will likely be forced to deputise on the opposite flank.
In attack, Bayern are almost at full strength. Harry Kane will be able to lead the line, supported by Michael Olis, new signing Luis Diaz and Serge Gnabry.
Interestingly, Nicholas Jackson – on loan from Chelsea – is fit to play against his parent club and could come off the bench.
Expected Bayern Munich Lineup: Neuer; Laimer, Tah, Upamecano, Stanisic; Kimmich, Pavlovic; Olise, Gnabry, Diaz; Kane.
Chelsea
Enzo Maresca’s side face a number of injury concerns in this difficult away game. The Blues will be without Liam Delap due to a hamstring injury sustained before the international break.
They also tried to block Nicholas Jackson’s loan move to Bayern to cover Delap’s absence, but a deal was eventually completed with the Bavarians on deadline day.
Other absentees include Dario Esugo, Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile. There are also fitness concerns surrounding Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer, although both are expected to be available for selection.
Palmer scored the goal after coming off the bench to equalise from injury, and should be “running to prove himself on Europe’s biggest stage”.
The defensive situation is particularly worrying for Chelsea, with an inexperienced centre-back pairing likely to face Bayern’s potent attack.
Captain Reece James is expected to start after returning at half-time against Brentford, which will provide some much-needed experience and leadership.
Expected Chelsea Lineup: Sanchez; James, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Gittens; Pedro.
Match Prediction and Key Factors
Opinions are divided on the likely outcome of this match. We have predicted a Bayern win, with a comfortable 3-1 victory likely.
Our analysis cites Bayern’s exceptional early season form and Chelsea’s injury problems as the deciding factors.
