Kane brace helps Bayern Munich beat Chelsea 3-1 in Champions League opener

Harry Kane scored twice as Bayern Munich opened their Champions League campaign with a 3-1 win over Chelsea at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night.

Chelsea created a bright early moment when Cole Palmer broke down the right and sent a pass into Enzo Fernandez, who surged into the box but could not control the ball, wasting a promising early chance. Bayern settled into the contest and took the lead in the 20th minute when Trevoh Chalobah diverted a cross into his own net as he attempted to clear a ball from Joao Pedro’s wide position. Five minutes later, Kane converted a penalty after Moises Caicedo tripped him in the box, sending Robert Sanchez the wrong way. Chelsea pulled a goal back through Palmer in the 29th minute, finishing first-time from a one-two with Malo Gusto after a brief spell of pressure.

Kane then threatened to stretch Bayern’s advantage again early in the second half, his left-foot drive from 25 yards finding the corner but being denied by a fingertips save from Sanchez as the ball cannoned off the goalkeeper. Chelsea pressed in response, with Robert Sanchez making a spectacular one-handed stop to repel an Olise effort after a Kane cut-back.

Bayern did get the third goal they sought when Malo Gusto, under pressure, miscontrolled and gifted Kane possession. Kane advanced and, from 25 yards out, calmly curved the ball around Sanchez and into the bottom-right corner to complete his night and bring his season tally to seven goals in four games. Kane has now scored nine goals in eight meetings with Chelsea in all competitions, and his overall Bayern record sits at 95 goals in 102 appearances since joining in 2023.

Chelsea remained competitive but could not find a second breakthrough as Bayern maintained the pressure and controlled the game’s tempo. The result leaves Bayern unbeaten in 35 home Champions League group-stage or league matches, a run that stretches back to 2013 at the Allianz Arena. Chelsea, who host Benfica in their next group game, will need to regroup after a reality check in Munich as Enzo Maresca’s side begin their campaign without the advantage of a recent trophy haul in Europe.

The match marked a high-profile return to the setting for many Chelsea fans, who recalled their 2012 European glory in Munich and reflected on how the club has evolved since then. The visitors will look to rebound quickly as they prepare for a home game against Benfica, knowing the group stage demands that come with a club of Bayern’s stature.