England striker Harry Kane took advantage of Chelsea’s errors to score twice in Bayern Munich’s 3-1 Champions League victory.
Kane, 32, won and scored a penalty before securing victory in the second half with a curling shot following a Malo Gusto error.
Earlier, Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah scored an own goal, and a returning Cole Palmer fired into the top corner to equalize on his 100th appearance in all competitions for the west Londoners.
There were warning signs in the second half, as Michael Olise and Kane squandered golden chances as Chelsea, back in the Champions League for the first time since the 2022-23 season, sought an equalizer.
Finally, Gusto’s misplaced pass set up Kane’s curled shot in the 63rd minute, bringing the match to a finish.
It was one of several defensive errors, including the visitors’ failure to react to a drop-ball situation before Chalobah’s own goal and midfielder Moises Caicedo hauling Kane down in the box.
Chelsea squandered a promising start, wasting early opportunities through Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez.
Meanwhile, Palmer had a late score called out due to a narrow offside.
The Blues were ultimately out-thought by a more streetwise and experienced Bayern side, which won their first Champions League encounter for the 22nd consecutive season.
Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, 39, appeared in his 151st Champions League game. Chelsea’s whole 24-man roster had only made 117 appearances at this level prior to kickoff.
The west Londoners will next face Benfica in the Champions League, which might bring Jose Mourinho back to Stamford Bridge, with the Portuguese certain to be hired as manager this week.
