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The standout tie of Champions League matchweek one sees Bayern Munich and Chelsea lock horns at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday, a repeat of the iconic 2012 final.
Vincent Kompany’s Bayern have started the season in ruthless fashion, sweeping aside all challengers domestically and already lifting the German Super Cup.
They arrive on a run of five wins from five in the Bundesliga, the latest a 5-0 demolition of Hamburg.
The Bavarians boast a formidable home record in the competition, going unbeaten in 34 consecutive group-stage fixtures at the Allianz Arena.
Their last such defeat came in December 2013, when Kompany himself was an unused substitute for Manchester City in a 3-2 win. They have also triumphed in their opening Champions League game in each of the past 22 seasons.
Chelsea, by contrast, return to Europe’s top stage after a two-year absence, entering as Club World Cup and Conference League holders.
Their place was only secured on the final day of the Premier League campaign, but Enzo Maresca’s side showed their pedigree with a win over holders Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final.
