Though Chelsea are playing at home tonight, the Blues have a daunting task ahead of them as they host a star-studded and arguably more experienced Bayern Munich side in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie.
Among other qualities, Bayern’s attacking trio of Robert Lewandowski, Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman can easily strike fear in the heart of any defence, hence Frank Lampard’s men must be on top of their game to avoid shipping in goals that could mark their end in Europe this season.
Tuesday’s contest will mark the second time that Bayern have made the trip to London in under six months after thrashing Spurs by a 7-2 scoreline during the group stages.
If Bayern can display that kind of ruthlessness again, they would be inching closer to their sixth success in European football’s premier competition.
Chelsea on their part will most likely want to keep things as tight as possible during the first leg but if their previous form is anything to go by, inviting pressure onto themselves may only play into Bayern’s favour.
Chelsea and Bayern Munich have squared off on four occasions in Europe, games which have ended with neither club being able to keep a clean sheet.
The last two contests – the 2012 Champions League final and 2013 UEFA Super Cup – have been decided on penalties, with both teams winning one apiece.
Bayern’s only visit to Stamford Bridge came in April 2005 as two goals from Lampard helped Chelsea to a 4-2 victory. Now as the coach, can Lampard mastermind another victory over the Bavarians?
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Kickoff is 9.00 pm
Team News
Chelsea XI: Caballero; Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger; James, Kovacic, Jorginho, Alonso; Mount, Barkley, Giroud.
Subs: Kepa, Zouma, Emerson, Gilmour, Pedro, Willian, Abraham.
Bayern XI: Neuer; Pavard, Boateng, Alaba, Davies; Thiago, Kimmich, Muller; Coman, Lewandowski, Gnabry.
Subs: Ulreich, Odriozola, Coutinho, Goretzka, Hernandez, Tolisso, Zirkzee
Kickoff at Stamford Bridge.. BAYERN with the kickoff
Kovavic tries an early run but stopped
Muller with the first shot at target
Davies goes down after a rash challenge by Mount
A throw-in for Chelsea very near to the Bayern Munich penalty box
Mount unable to bring his shot down.. Its way off the target
Great chance for Bayern but Coman fails to shoot on target despite having all the space
Chelsea keeper with a crucial block as Lewandowski tries a one time shot
Close.. Bayern come close to getting the opening goal but Chelsea’s Caballero rushes out fast enough to save the ball
Chance! Muller whips a shot.. Its just inches off the target
In the other game going on tonight.. Mertens has given Napoli the lead against Barcelona
Muller comes close again but his fickle header hits the cross bar
Shot.. Alonso’s low drive saved by Neuer nice effort by Chelsea.. Its 43 minutes gone still Chelsea 0-0 Bayern Munich
Thiago Alcantara gets the first yellow card
Half Time.. Chelsea 0-0 Bayern Munich
Chelsea get the second one underway
Double chances for Chelsea but the efforts by Mount and Barley where saved by Neur
Jorginho gets a Yellow card for descent. He would miss the second leg in Munich
Goal… Bayern Munich get the opening goal as Gnabry gets the curtain raiser Chelsea 0-1 Chelsea
Goal.. Gnabry doubles the lead for Bayern Munich
Bayeen’s Joshua Kimmich gets a Yellow card
Substitution:.. Giroud is taken off for Willian
Colman down injured
Goal!!! Bayern keep tearing and they get another goal..Lewandowski makes it 3_0
The Polish striker has now score 11 goals in six matches
Indecision by Tammy Abraham sees him lost the ball possession
The bad night gets worse as Marcos Alonso gets a needless red card
Substitution. Tolisso has been brought in to replace Gnabry
85th minute.. Chelsea 0-3
Bayern Munich with 60 % ball possession.. Bad night for Chelsea no single attempt on target yet
Disappointing night for Frank Lampard no doubt
Four minutes added time
Full Time.. Chelsea 0-3 Bayern Munich
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