Harry Kane delivered a masterful performance, scoring twice as Bayern Munich defeated Chelsea 3-1 in their Champions League opener at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday. The England captain's brace, coupled with an own goal, ensured a comfortable victory for the German champions in a rematch of the 2012 Champions League final.

Bayern Munich took the lead in the 20th minute in somewhat bizarre fashion. Michael Olise, cutting into the box, delivered a dangerous ball that Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah turned into his own net under pressure from Dayot Upamecano. Kane then doubled Bayern's advantage in the 27th minute, converting a penalty after being brought down in the box.

Chelsea responded quickly, with Cole Palmer pulling a goal back just two minutes later. Palmer, making his first start after recovering from a groin injury, finished a Chelsea counter-attack with a superb half-volley. However, Chelsea's hopes of a comeback were ultimately dashed by Kane, who restored Bayern's two-goal lead in the 63rd minute with a clinical, low finish after capitalizing on an error.

Kane's performance was the difference. With the two goals, Kane has 11 goals this season for club and country. Since the start of the 2024-25 Champions League season, no player has scored more goals than Kane.

Chelsea's manager, Enzo Maresca, opted for a similar approach to the one that troubled Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final. Reece James was deployed alongside Moises Caicedo in midfield, allowing Enzo Fernández to play further forward, with the hope that Cole Palmer could replicate his heroics against PSG. Chelsea showed poise in possession and looked to exploit Bayern's high defensive line. An early chance fell to Fernández, but his shot was blocked. Ultimately, Chelsea's mistakes proved costly, exposing their inexperience on their return to the Champions League.

Bayern Munich, who thrashed Hamburg SV 5-0 in the Bundesliga on Saturday, have now won their opening Champions League game for the 22nd consecutive time. They continued their unbeaten run across all competitions, while Chelsea suffered their first defeat of the season. Bayern are aiming for Champions League glory this season.

Chelsea have only won once against Bayern in regulation time, back in April 2005. Bayern Munich has reached the Quarter-Finals in the 2024/25 Champions League. Chelsea won the 2024/25 Conference League.