Chelsea return to Munich on Wednesday night, a city etched into their history, but this time the mood is less nostalgic and more daunting.
Former Scotland and Chelsea winger Pat Nevin has warned that the trip to Bayern Munich may be the most difficult challenge of the Blues’ Champions League group stage.
“Probably of the eight games Chelsea will play in this stage, Bayern is the hardest,” Nevin told BBC Radio 5 Live. “If they don’t win it, maybe if they can get a draw it’s not the end of the world.”
The group offers no shortage of tests. Napoli, Qarabag and Atalanta await on the road, while Stamford Bridge will host Benfica, Ajax, Barcelona and Cypriot side Pafos. Still, Nevin believes the meeting with the German champions will stand apart.
“It’s about learning as much as anything else,” he said. “The quality they are up against tonight is really high.”
Chelsea’s supporters, though, carry fond memories of Munich. It was in the Allianz Arena in 2012 that the club claimed its first Champions League title, defeating Bayern on penalties in a match forever remembered by fans. “That will never be forgotten as magical,” Nevin reflected.
Adding intrigue is the prospect of a swift reunion with Nicolas Jackson. The striker, who left Stamford Bridge for Bayern on loan with an obligation to buy earlier this month, may line up against his former teammates.
“He would love to play against Chelsea,” Nevin said. “He was fed up with the way he thought he was treated at the end of his time, although he didn’t help himself with petulant fouls. He has stunning pace, but the Chelsea players know him well. If he comes on, he won’t be a surprise.”
Kick-off at the Allianz Arena is at 20:00 BST. Chelsea enter not just chasing points, but also lessons about where they stand in Europe’s toughest competition.
About the Author
