Harry Kane propelled Bayern Munich to a 3-1 victory over Chelsea in their Champions League opening match, scoring twice in the process. The England captain's brace helped Bayern overcome a strong start from Chelsea, who were making their return to the Champions League.
Chelsea initially displayed intensity, pressing Bayern back, but the German side weathered the storm and began to exert their own pressure. Bayern's breakthrough came when Michael Olise's cross forced Trevoh Chalobah to turn the ball into his own net. Shortly after, Kane extended Bayern's lead from the penalty spot after Moisés Caicedo fouled him in the box. Despite going down 2-0, Chelsea responded swiftly, with Cole Palmer finishing off a counter-attack to pull a goal back.
In the second half, Bayern regained control, and Kane scored again, capitalizing on a poor back-pass from Malo Gusto to slot the ball into the corner of the net. Kane's goals against Chelsea have further cemented his reputation as one of the greatest goal scorers, with Jamie Carragher labeling him as "one of the greatest". Kane's impressive form this season now sees him with 11 goals in just six appearances for club and country.
Bayern Munich's victory extends their impressive record in Champions League openers, having won their last 22 matches since 2002. For Chelsea, the match was a reminder of the challenges of competing at the highest level of European football. While they showed glimpses of promise, mistakes proved costly against a clinical Bayern side led by Harry Kane. Kane's two goals against Chelsea also allowed him to break a Champions League record previously held by David Beckham. Manuel Neuer, Bayern's captain, celebrated his 100th Champions League win, putting him behind only Cristiano Ronaldo, Thomas Müller and Iker Casillas. Despite Palmer's goal for Chelsea, Kane stole the show, reaffirming his status as Bayern's talisman. Bayern's hopes of winning the Champions League for the first time since 2020 rest heavily on Kane's shoulders. Chelsea's defense will need to improve if they want to make an impact in the competition. Kane said that facing Premier League sides gives him extra motivation to “play better”.
