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Palmer urges Chelsea to learn after Bayern defeat as Simeone calls for protection
The Star
|September 19, 2025
THE Champions League returned with drama on all fronts on Wednesday night as Chelsea marked their comeback with a 3-1 defeat at Bayern Munich, Diego Simeone called for greater protection for managers after Atletico Madrid’s fiery 3-2 loss at Liverpool, and holders PSG swept aside Atalanta 4-0 in Paris.
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Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer lamented his side's loss of focus at the Allianz Arena, where the Club World Cup holders made their first Champions League appearance in two years.
Michael Olise pressured Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah into an early own goal and England captain Harry Kane added a penalty soon after. Palmer pulled a goal back immediately, finishing off an excellent team move, but Kane capitalised on a defensive error from Malo Gusto to complete a double and secure Bayern’s opening win.
“It was frustrating. I feel like we deserved more,” Palmer told TNT Sports.
“We started well. We had early chances to score. But when you make mistakes at the highest level it’s hard to come back ...
“We've shown we can compete with one of the best teams in the competition. It’s a good learning curve. To be back in the competition is nice. We need to kick on from here.”
Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca told reporters his side would improve from the defeat.
This story is from the September 19, 2025 edition of The Star.
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