Overview

• Harry Kane publicly targeted a top‑eight finish to skip the playoff round, estimating Bayern need six wins or five with draws after last season’s stressful playoff detour.
• Bayern host Chelsea on Wednesday at 21:00 CET, with DAZN broadcasting the opener under UEFA’s 36‑team format of eight single fixtures per club.
• Under the ligaphase rules, the top eight advance directly while places 9–24 face two extra playoff matches that clubs say add injury risk and disrupt league rhythm.
• Uli Hoeneß cast Bayern as underdogs, a view rejected by Karl‑Heinz Rummenigge and senior players who insist the club is never an outsider in Europe.
• Analysts highlight the financial muscle of Premier League squads and PSG’s status as defending champion, as Bayern contend with injuries to Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies.