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A visit to the Allianz Arena stirs memorable memories for the Blues, reminding them of their triumphant 2012 Champions League victory. But this time presents a twist: a meeting with the Senegalese striker, an attacker keen to show that his former club were wrong in allowing his departure.

Drive Runs High for The Loanee

It's possible Chelsea’s manager could experience uneasy if his team come up against their former striker when they kick off their Champions League journey against the Bavarian giants. One can find plenty of cases of players on loan coming back to trouble their parent club in European competition, and Jackson will have no lack of incentive if he features against Chelsea less than a few weeks after departing.

The Transfer Full of Tension

Jackson wants to make a statement, especially after the turmoil around his transfer. It all seemed simple when Jackson flew to Germany on August 30th. The German club had agreed terms to bring him in on loan with an option to buy, but then the situation to change when Liam Delap picked up a muscle problem later that day. The agreement was canceled. Delap’s injury was long-term, and Chelsea did not want to gamble on heading into a hectic fall schedule with just a single fit striker.

However the Senegal international had no interest in coming back to serve as support to João Pedro. He stayed in Bavaria and was rewarded for his resolve when updated discussions resulted in Bayern agreeing to sign him, including a £56m requirement to purchase that activates if he reaches a agreed number of games played.

Reason Won Out

The club had not much benefit from forcing an unsettled attacker, especially after earlier indicating they were happy to cash in. The forward likely wasn’t in a ideal mental state if he had returned to Stamford Bridge. Indications were far from reassuring during the CWC. An unnecessary red card moments after coming on during the team’s loss by the Brazilian side was suggestive of his frustration.

No one was shocked that the manager’s patience ran out after the player’s another dismissal in a handful of games. The question, however, is whether Chelsea have left themselves short. A young striker, brought back from a brief loan at the Championship side, was not on the bench for the draw at Brentford. His departure leaves a hole with another striker injured. Jackson, signed from the Spanish club two years ago, was no dud. His goal conversion was erratic but he bagged 24 goals in sixty-five Premier League appearances, linked up well with Cole Palmer, and was often a handful for centre-backs. “My perfect No 9 is exactly him,” Maresca said in the spring.

The Bayern Boss Too A Fan

It soon transpired that Vincent Kompany was likewise a fan. Bayern wanted cover for Harry Kane and have secured a flexible option. Jackson is capable of shifting wide and played alongside Kane when he first appeared as a second-half substitute against Hamburg recently.

Becoming more clinical is the obvious goal for the young striker. Ideally, he can learn from Kane in training. The club, meanwhile, are looking to utilize Jackson’s familiarity of Chelsea. There has also been talk in Germany of the manager requesting Jackson for tips about Maresca’s system and methods.

A Fixture With an Edge

It shapes up as a contest with an edge. The Blues’ return to the UCL after a two-year absence takes them to the stadium where they won it for the very first time, evoking thoughts of that famous 2012 triumph over the Germans in Munich. The manager’s players should not have an lack of belief. A previous Chelsea were outclassed when they met Hansi Flick’s Bayern in the round of 16 five years ago, but the current team travel to Bavaria as world champions and have invested heavily in their young group.

Fascinating Strategic Battle Awaits

It promises to be an intriguing tactical contest between two Pep Guardiola followers. It would not be a surprise if Maresca uses the approach that flummoxed Paris Saint‑Germain in the Club World Cup final, with Palmer moving to the right flank and the captain joining a midfielder and Moisés Caicedo in a solid engine room. Will the Bayern coach counter? Kompany won the Bundesliga title in his first season at Bayern but has his skeptics in England. Burnley’s disappointing top-flight season under Kompany is not quickly overlooked, though it is important to note that the former City player has supporters at Chelsea. They have twice thought about appointing him: first when they dismissed Graham Potter, then when they were looking to succeed another coach and ultimately going for Maresca.

The main concern around Kompany, who joined the German side a seven days before the London club hired their gaffer, was whether he was flexible enough. The Munich outfit have had no major complaints. They scored 99 Bundesliga goals last season and will unleash a varied offense at the visitors. Luis Díaz, a former Reds player, is a known threat. Michael Olise, who will challenge Marc Cucurella on the right side, is another of the match’s storylines.

The Winger: The Missed Opportunity

Olise has had to persevere since leaving the club’s academy when he was 14. His path has not been simple but the 23-year-old has grown and might well have ended up back at Stamford Bridge. The club tried to trigger his buyout option at a London rival in last year and were beaten to his signature by Bayern a year.

The talented wide man is one who got away. He has flourished at Bayern, providing goals, key passes and dazzling trickery. The Blues will have to be at their top level. Kompany, the striker and the winger will be out to show them the talent they lost.