Liverpool and Bayern Munich, two six-time Champions League winners, will face tough opponents in the 2025/26 season. Bayern will play Chelsea in Munich, while Liverpool will play Atlético Madrid at Anfield. Four giants will play for triumph on the same night.
Liverpool started last season with seven straight wins but lost to PSG in the Round of 16. Atlético Madrid lost to city rivals Real Madrid in the Round of 16. Chelsea won the Europa League, while Bayern Munich lost to Inter Milan in the quarterfinals of the Champions League.
Liverpool Looking to Continue Strong Form
Liverpool has opened the current Premier League season with four straight wins to lead. Each of those wins came late, demonstrating the team’s resilience. Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo have been outstanding, keeping Liverpool’s offence sharp.
Midfield injuries remain a problem. The midfield will be led by Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai, with Curtis Jones and Alexis Mac Allister absent. The new addition, Isak, isn’t match-fit, so his starting spot is doubtful.
Atlético’s Slow Start and Simeone’s Injury Headache
Atlético Madrid started La Liga with two draws and one loss in three matches. They beat Villarreal 2–0 last weekend for their first win of the season.
Diego Simeone confronts losses in Europe: crucial players like Dávid Hancko, Julián Álvarez, Nico González, and Robin Le Normand are injured and uncertain about their participation. Atlético would suffer without them.
Liverpool has defeated Atlético in all three Champions League matches. The Reds are again the favourites in this match.
Bayern vs Chelsea: Heavyweight Battle
Bayern Munich’s home match against two-time winners Chelsea will be one of the round’s most intriguing matches. Bundesliga leaders Bayern have won three straight, while Chelsea have won two and drawn two in the Premier League, indicating both teams are in good form.
The clubs have a long history of rivalry. Chelsea won their first European title in 2012 by defeating Bayern in a penalty shootout.
Since then, Bayern has won three of four European matches and drawn one. Bayern defeated Chelsea 7–1 over two legs in the Round of 16 five years ago.
Kane on Fire, Chelsea Defense in Crisis
Harry Kane has set a Bundesliga record with eight goals in Bayern’s first three matches. The attacking quartet, comprising Michael Olise, Serge Gnabry, and Brahim Díaz, will pose a significant threat to Chelsea’s defence.
Chelsea is anticipated to start Cole Palmer, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, João Pedro, and Moisés Caicedo, with captain Reece James heading the backline.
Benoît Badiashile, Roméo Lavia, Estevão, Levi Colwill, and Liam Delap are all out due to defensive injuries for the Blues. Chelsea are playing away from home; therefore, their chances in Munich are minimal.
Liverpool plays Atlético Madrid and Bayern plays Chelsea in the Champions League first round. Whatever the outcome, this night will be full of suspense, drama, and excitement for football fans under the European lights.
