Chelsea’s Champions League return proved a tough test, ending in a 3-1 loss to a more experienced Bayern Munich side.
Despite Cole Palmer’s pre-game confidence that the team was not there for a “learning curve,” the match showed a clear gap in experience.
Former Chelsea player Pat Nevin noted on BBC Radio 5 Live that the Blues’ “naive” mistakes, including an own goal and a penalty conceded by Moises Caicedo, were capitalized on by a ruthless Bayern team.
The inexperience was stark, with Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer alone having more Champions League appearances than Chelsea’s entire squad combined.
Head coach Enzo Maresca acknowledged the team’s lack of “full focus,” but hopes they can “build something special” from the defeat.
While Chelsea showed flashes of good play, their errors highlighted the significant jump required to succeed at this elite level of football.
