Bayern start their UCL campaign with an impressive record to defend, having won their opening game for the last 21 seasons in a row. They also have the edge over Chelsea since the loss in 2012, having won all four games since, including a 7-1 aggregate win in 2020.

Chelsea have named their squad for the Champions League, with summer signing Facundo Buonanotte missing out on selection. The Blues secured a fourth place finish last season to return to Europe’s premier club competition for the first time in two seasons.

Chelsea return to the Allianz Arena for the first time in five years on Wednesday night, as their 2025–26 Champions League campaign gets underway.

BBC Sport looks at Pafos FC, the team from Cyprus set to make their full Champions League debut with David Luiz in defence.

Former Chelsea and Man United boss Jose Mourinho was sacked by Fenerbahce after just 14 months but is poised to make a swift return.

Bayern Munich vs Chelsea is a bit of a strange rivalry that does not have a lot of history. Of course, when part of that history is losing a Champions League final at home to said rival, the origin of the rivalry makes sense.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has responded to comments saying that Bayern Munich have ‘inside knowledge’ to beat them. Maresca and his Chelsea side face Bayern Munich tonight in the first game in the new Champions League format and Chelsea’s first game back in the competition for some time.