Bayern Munich launched their Champions League campaign with a convincing 3-1 win over Chelsea, Harry Kane scoring twice at the Allianz Arena to underline his growing stature in Europe.
The England captain struck in each half, either side of Cole Palmer’s superb reply, as Thomas Tuchel’s side proved too clinical for their Premier League visitors.
Kane has now scored 21 goals in the competition for Bayern, becoming only the third player to reach 20 or more for two different clubs.
Bayern took the lead in fortuitous fashion after 20 minutes when Michael Olise’s cross ricocheted off Trevoh Chalobah and into his own net. Seven minutes later, Kane doubled the advantage from the penalty spot after drawing a clumsy foul from Moises Caicedo.
Chelsea, back in the Champions League after a year’s absence, responded swiftly. A rapid counterattack saw Palmer, making his 100th appearance for the club, lash a fine finish into the top corner to halve the deficit. For a spell Mauricio Pochettino’s side threatened, but Bayern reasserted control after the break.
Robert Sanchez denied both Kane and Olise in quick succession before Serge Gnabry’s clever pass released Kane to restore Bayern’s two-goal cushion with typical efficiency. Palmer thought he had created a lifeline when a late Chelsea goal was bundled in, but it was ruled out for offside, ending any hopes of a comeback.
The night belonged to Kane, who has started this European season in prolific fashion. His 13 goals since the start of last year’s campaign make him joint-top scorer across the competition in that span, level with Raphinha and Serhou Guirassy. For Chelsea, Palmer’s moment of brilliance was the only consolation on an otherwise chastening return to Europe’s elite stage.
