Cole Palmer world-class, Cucurella strong, three 4/10s - Chelsea player ratings vs Bayern Munich

Cole Palmer once again proved he belongs on the world's biggest stage, but Chelsea's star attacker could not prevent his side from being defeated by Bayern Munich.

While Palmer shone, it was his England teammate Harry Kane who shone the brightest to get Bayern off to the perfect start in the Champions League. Chelsea, meanwhile, will be left scratching their heads despite having some positive moments at the Allianz Arena.

Palmer was undoubtedly the main positive from a Chelsea perspective, with the England international scoring with a world-class finish to get his side back into the game at 2-1. The Blues superstar also saw a late second goal ruled out for offside.

Enzo Maresca made four changes from the team that were held by Brentford at the weekend, with the Blues line-up almost the exact same - with Levi Colwill, who is injured, replaced by Tosin Adarabioyo - as the one that beat Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final 66 days prior. Five of the XI were making their Champions League debuts, but did not at all seem fazed by playing on club football’s biggest stage.

Malo Gusto being one of them, with the right-back getting in behind the Bayern defence in the opening exchanges. Just like they did against PSG in July, Chelsea went long towards the speedy Gusto. On that occasion, though, Pedro Neto, who was also making his debut in the competition, could not quite make the most of Gusto’s cross.

The Blues had so much joy down the right side in the opening exchanges and Enzo Fernandez almost opened the scoring after Palmer found his teammate in space inside the Bayern box. It was Bayern, though, that took the lead. Trevoh Chalobah turned the ball into his own net after a dangerous cross from Michael Olise on the right side.

The bit of fortune really got the Germans going at the Allianz, with Harry Kane doubling their lead from the penalty spot after the England captain was fouled inside the box via a clumsy Moises Caicedo challenge.

“Yo Cold Palmer, Munich's floor is lava!” a banner from a Bayern supporter read inside the 75,000-seater stadium, but said lava very much cooled just before the 30-minute mark. Palmer finished off a liquid counter-attacking move from the visitors with a fantastic strike into the top corner to half the deficit. The 23-year-old marked his 100th Chelsea appearance with his 45th goal for the club.

In the build-up to Palmer’s goal, Joao Pedro was floored by Jonathan Tah - an incident that left Maresca absolutely incensed on the touchline. The referee spoke to the Italian before showing him a yellow card for his protests.

Maresca watched on as Palmer once again looked to put Chelsea on his back as the Blues went on the hunt for an equaliser in Bavaria. Unfortunately, it was too much, even for Palmer.

The German champions made it 3-1 just after the hour-mark with Kane punishing some sloppy play from Chelsea. Gusto gave away possession cheaply and Bayern took advantage of that, with Kane producing a world-class finish into the bottom corner.

Bayern held on to get their Champions League campaign off to the perfect start, while extra pressure has now been added on Chelsea’s home bout with Benfica in a fortnight.

Below, Bobby Vincent rates the Chelsea players based on their performance in Munich.

Robert Sanchez - 7

Not at fault for any of the goals, really. Makes a huge save on the 60-minute mark to deny Olise.

Malo Gusto - 6

Just like the Club World Cup final two months ago, Gusto found space down the right-hand side, with Chelsea's plan clearly to go long to the Frenchman. Does well for Palmer's goal. Not so great for Kane's second.

Trevoh Chalobah - 4

Bit of a nightmare for Bayern's opening goal - turning it into his own net. It is a tad unfortunate, especially because of Tosin Adarabioyo's role in the goal (see below).

Tosin Adarabioyo - 4

He doesn't cover himself in glory for Chalobah's own goal. Tosin leaves the ball when he could have perhaps cleared it and Chalobah paid the price.

Marc Cucurella - 7

Being booed every time he touched the ball. Didn't bother him one bit. Chelsea's pantomime villain is more than used to that at this point.

Reece James - 6

Some really positive moments in the centre of Chelsea's midfield. Perhaps not on the ball as much as he would have liked.

Moises Caicedo - 6

Wrestles Kane to the ground for the penalty. Seemed really clumsy. Sort of redeems himself for Palmer's goal with some industrious work in midfield.

Cole Palmer - 8

Used on the right-hand side. Scores a sensational goal to get Chelsea back into the game in the first-half.

Enzo Fernandez - 5

Should do better with an early chance after being found by Palmer. Not his best game in the No.10 role.

Pedro Neto - 4

Struggled on the left-hand side. Unable to make any sort of impact when Chelsea were attacking.

Joao Pedro - 5

Some nice touches, but he was up against a very physical Jonathan Tah for the first-half. The Brazilian managed to get the better of the German on the odd occasion but had more joy against the smaller Kim Min-jae. Mixed evening for the Chelsea forward.

Andrey Santos (on for James 68') - 6

Did okay. Difficult circumstances to come in to.

Alejandro Garnacho (on for Neto 68') - 5

Couldn't get involved on the left side.

Estevao Willian (on for Fernandez 81') - N/A

Not enough time to make an impact.