It’s been a highly successful year for Chelsea after the appointment of Enzo Maresca last summer. A fourth placed finish ensured Champions League football this season whilst the Blues also picked up silverware. Maresca’s side won the Europa Conference League in May after defeating Real Betis four-one. Another major trophy was added in July, following the three-nil domination of European champions PSG in the inaugural Club World Cup.
Chelsea go in to this season’s Champions League full of optimism. Especially after the arrivals of Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens, who add to an already solid side. This article picks out Chelsea’s key Champions League fixtures this season, after the league phase was drawn on Thursday afternoon.
Barcelona (Home)
We start with a mouth-watering fixture. Hansi Flick’s Barcelona will travel to Stamford Bridge in the first of eight league fixtures.
Barcelona qualified for the competition after winning last season’s La Liga title. The Culers finished four points ahead of then-holders, Real Madrid. Flick’s side have no plans of slowing down, with two wins from two to start this season off.
Lamine Yamal and Raphinha will pose the biggest threat to Chelsea. Both attackers were at the heart of Barca’s triumphs last season. Yamal netted 18 times and assisted a further 21. Raphinha scored a very impressive 34 times and assisted a further 22 in all competitions.
Both wingers will have to get past Marc Cucurella and Reece James. Both full backs stood-out as the Blues won the Club World Cup. This victory showed they have no problem playing against Europe’s elite as they aim to win the Champions League for the first time since 2021. For Barcelona, however, it’s been a 10 year Champions League drought.
Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro will be looking to combine just like they did against PSG. Goals will be no problem in this game, with Barca’s defence shipping seven in the semi-final against Inter Milan. Their high line will allow Joao Pedro to latch on to Palmer’s exquisite through balls in behind.
Bayern Munich (Away)
Maresca’s men face a tough trip to the Allianz Arena, where they will take on Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich side.
Bayern started the season off in impressive fashion, a six-nil victory against RB Leipzig. Harry Kane resumed normal service, with a hat-trick to open his Bundesliga account for the season. Luiz Diaz scored on his debut after a summer move from Premier League champions, Liverpool. Michael Olise continued where he left off last season, netting a brace in the game.
All three are sure to cause danger against the Blues. Tosin and Trevor Chalobah will have to be on high alert if they stand any chance of defusing Kane. Likewise, impressive midfielders Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez will have to cover the wings as well to stop Diaz and Olise from cutting in on their favoured feet. Both will have experience of this after managing to stop the free flowing PSG attack that consisted of Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Kvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Chelsea should have confidence, then, going in to this game. However, any injuries to key players could hamper their chances in Munich.
Napoli (Away)
Finally, the Blues travel to Napoli in what proves to be a difficult game for Chelsea.
Former manager Antonio Conte will be looking for revenge on his former side after he was sacked in 2018 following a fifth placed finish.
Napoli qualified for this year’s Champions League after winning the Italian title last season. Scott Mctominay was instrumental to Conte’s side after his summer move from Manchester United. The Scotsman scored 12 times and assisted a further four on the way to the Scudetto title. Caicedo, Fernandez and the Chelsea centre backs will have to be switched on as Mctominay loves to arrive in the box with his late runs. His six foot four frame will add danger from set pieces.
Liam Delap could be crucial in this game when defending and attacking set pieces. The six foot two striker is as strong as an ox in both boxes and could do enough to stop Mctominay from any corners or free kicks. Likewise, Delap will be a handful in the box for Napoli defenders. His strength and movement could prove difficult.
Kevin De Bruyne’s inch perfect passes and set pieces could also cause Chelsea some trouble if they aren’t careful. Past his prime now, Caicedo and Fernandez will still have to stick to the Belgian like glue to suss out any danger.