Bayern Munich handed Chelsea a tough reintroduction to the Champions League with a 3-1 win at the Allianz Arena on 17 September, as Harry Kane struck twice to continue his blistering start to the season.
Both sides came into the tie unbeaten, but Bayern’s intensity and ruthlessness made the difference on Matchday 1. The hosts took the lead after 20 minutes when Michael Olise’s cross forced Trevoh Chalobah into turning the ball into his own net. Moments later, Kane converted from the penalty spot after going down under Moisés Caicedo’s challenge, sending Robert Sánchez the wrong way.
Chelsea, however, offered a response. Moisés Caicedo launched a swift counter-attack, with Malo Gusto setting up Cole Palmer, who finished calmly to halve the deficit on his Champions League debut. The Blues pressed for an equaliser, with Palmer later denied a second by a narrow offside decision.
But Bayern’s experience told. In the second half, Gusto’s loose back pass was pounced on by Kane, who clinically beat Sánchez one-on-one to secure his brace and put the result beyond doubt. It was Kane’s 10th goal in just six matches this season, with five in the Bundesliga and two already in Europe. The England striker now has 95 goals in 102 appearances for Bayern, and his tally of 42 Champions League goals moves him past Sergio Agüero and level with Alessandro Del Piero and Antoine Griezmann.
Chelsea introduced Andrey Santos, Alejandro Garnacho and teenager Estevão in the second half as Enzo Maresca searched for a way back. Palmer thought he had struck again late on, but VAR intervened. Bayern, meanwhile, showed their depth and control, with Vincent Kompany’s side able to close out the contest confidently.
Despite the defeat, Chelsea showed flashes of promise and will look to respond when they host Benfica at Stamford Bridge at the end of the month. Bayern, meanwhile, travel to Cyprus to face newcomers Pafos FC as they aim to build on a strong start to their European campaign.
