Bayern Munich’s opening goal against Chelsea. (Image: Getty.)
Chelsea were handed a reality check on their return to the Champions League, with Bayern Munich powering past the English heavyweights in a 3-1 victory at the Allianz Arena. The travelling Blues made a very encouraging start, only to be silenced when Michael Olise skipped past Joao Pedro as if he wasn’t there and his driven cross hit Trevoh Chalobah and the deflected ball ended up in the back of his own net.
Chelsea were then incensed when referee Jose Maria Sanchez initially waved play on when Harry Kane was brought down in the box, then reversed that decision and pointed to the spot. The England captain made no mistake when he dusted himself off to send Robert Sanchez the wrong way.
Chelsea immediately hit back when Caicedo, on a lively Champions League debut, won the ball in his own half and set Cole Palmer away on a counter-attack, which ended with the talisman firing into the top corner following a one-two with Malo Gusto.
Kane then wrapped up all three points in a game where the hosts edged Chelsea due to their supreme clinicalness, taking advantage after Gusto gave the ball away in his own half.
Here, Express Sport takes a look at the Chelsea stars and how they fared in Germany…
Chelsea player ratings vs Bayern Munich
Goalkeeper
Robert Sanchez – 7
Maresca yesterday confirmed that back-up goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen will play in Premier League matches, to avoid Robert Sanchez burning out, but he looked on top form with his distribution and could do little to prevent any of Bayern’s goals.
He made two strong saves in quick succession near the hour mark, first getting down low to prevent Kane and then scrambling across to palm Olise’s effort when the Frenchman had the goal at his mercy.
Defence
Malo Gusto – 6
Was able to find space time and time again as he pushed forward down the right flank, reminiscent of his Club World Cup exploits. This was evident when he set up Palmer’s goal, unselfishly returning the ball to his team-mate when provided with a shooting chance himself.
His partnership with Palmer was excellent and Enzo Maresca would do well to keep the two in tandem moving forward. But his evening will be remembered for a mistake that gifted Kane his second, and Bayern’s third, goal. He tried to prod the ball away after a heavy first touch but it ended up at Kane’s feet, ready to curl an effort past Sanchez.
Tosin Adarabioyo – 6
Kane, perhaps understandably, got the better of his compatriot, but Tosin Adarabioyo did make some necessary aerial interventions.
For the latest breaking stories and headlines, sign up to our Daily Express transfer newsletter.
Malo Gusto and Cole Palmer combined to score against Bayern. (Image: Getty)
Trevoh Chalobah – 5
Was unfortunate when Olise’s cross flew across the box and Chalobah directed it into his own net, but improved footwork may have prevented the mishap.
Marc Cucurella – 6
Booed every time he touched the ball, with the home fans vividly remembering that he was not penalised for what they thought was handball in Spain’s Euro 2024 quarter-final against Germany. UEFA did later admit that a penalty should have been awarded. Otherwise had a quiet night, as Olise’s most dangerous moments came up against his team-mates.
Midfield
Reece James – 6
Maresca took a gamble and gave the skipper another outing in midfield against elite European opposition, similar to the transformation his opposite number Joshua Kimmish has previously made. He had a solid evening and provided added stability, at the expense of another forward on the pitch, which could be a trial run against stronger teams in the competition such as Bayern.
Moises Caicedo – 6
Wrestled Kane to the ground and Chelsea had no real complaints when the referee eventually did point to the spot. The Bayern striker got himself in a strong position just inside the area, but with plenty of defenders nearby and little chance of scoring.
Caicedo made up for his mistake moments later when he was able to ride a few challenges and set Palmer on his way, eventually scoring following a one-two with Gusto.
Enzo Fernandez – 5
Should have capitalised on some early pressure and put the visitors 1-0 up after seven minutes, but his shot from inside the six-yard box was blocked after he hesitated to take on Palmer’s cross. Otherwise struggled to match up against Bayern’s midfield, didn’t crash the box as he has done previously and failed to leave his mark on the match.
Attack
Cole Palmer – 8
Deployed on the right, with Fernandez given license to attack from No. 10, but Palmer was equally as effective. He often drifted inside and inspired Chelsea’s goal when he burst through from inside his own half and calmly fired into the top corner. A bright spark and what ended up being a frustrating night for the Blues, enforced by his late wondergoal ruled out for offside.
Joao Pedro – 4
Bayern sought out a mismatch when a free-kick was played short out wide to Olise, who was pressed by Pedro but the Brazilian did not do enough to stop his man, allowing the former Crystal Palace star to skip past and tee up the opening goal. He was unable to make an impression at the other end of the pitch either.
Pedro Neto – 5
Given the nod over livewires Alejandro Garnacho, Estevao Willian and Jamie Gittens, and had an early chance to score but should have done better following Malo Gusto’s cross. Otherwise had a night of little involvement and there was no surprise when he was substituted off for Garnacho after 68 minutes.
Cole Palmer wheeling away in celebration. (Image: Getty)
Substitutes
Alejandro Garnacho (68′) – 6
Brought on to provide some attacking impetous down the left, but he struggled as did Pedro Neto before him.
Andre Santos (68′) – 6
Was not afraid to get stuck in and battled well in midfield.
Estevao Willian (81′) – 6
A few neat touches and it would surprise very few if he was not starting Chelsea‘s next Champions League match, against Benfica on September 30.
