Harry Kane scored twice to inspire Bayern Munich to a 3-1 win over Chelsea in their Champions League group stage opener, though the visitors left Germany frustrated after the hosts escaped a potential red card.
Early promise undone by errors
Enzo Maresca’s side had some good time in the first half and could have gone ahead through Enzo Fernández, who miscued from close range after good work by Cole Palmer.
But Bayern struck first when Michael Olise’s cross was deflected into his own net by Trevoh Chalobah.
Moises Caicedo then fouled Kane inside the box, gifting the England striker his 94th Bayern goal in 102 appearances.
Chelsea responded quickly, Palmer combining with Malo Gusto before firing a superb equaliser into the top corner.
Kane decisive after the break
Bayern pressed aggressively in the second half and Robert Sánchez made key saves to deny Kane and Olise.
The breakthrough arrived once more when a Chelsea turnover allowed Kane to collect a loose ball in the area and finish low into the corner for his second of the night.
The strike took Kane’s career tally against Chelsea into double figures.
Chelsea’s frustrations grow
Chelsea thought they had reduced the deficit late on when Palmer converted from Andrey Santos’ pass, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
The Blues were also incensed when Bayern’s Jonathan Tah avoided a second booking for hauling back Joao Pedro, with Maresca shown a yellow card for protesting.
Despite positive spells, Chelsea’s defensive errors and missed chances left them with little to show on their Champions League return.
Bayern, meanwhile, extended their formidable home record and made a strong statement of intent the opening group stage game.
