Reece James labelled Chelsea’s Champions League final victory in 2021 his “most special night” ahead of the Blues' return to the competition, as he set his sights on another European triumph.

The Blues are back among Europe’s elite after two seasons away from the competition, during which they won the Conference League and the Club World Cup.

Chelsea face Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, where they won their maiden Champions League title in 2012, in the first match of the 2025-26 league phase on Wednesday.

Enzo Maresca’s side will also take on LaLiga champions Barcelona, Serie A champions Napoli, and Atalanta as they attempt to forge a path to the knockout rounds.

James has played 30 Champions League games so far in his career, scoring three goals and providing two assists in that time.

The England international won the Champions League as a 21-year-old in 2021, playing the full game as Thomas Tuchel's Blues beat Manchester City 1-0 in the final via a Kai Havertz goal. 

He now hopes to replicate that achievement as club captain, telling Chelsea's website: “I won it so young, and I didn’t expect to win it so early into my career, but I hope to win it again. That was the most special night.

“Captaining Chelsea was always something I dreamt of, especially in the Champions League.

“Having been here a while now, and seeing the change and how we've had to adapt, we’re in a good position.

“We finished last season super strong, and I hope this season we can build on that. I don’t look at what other people say; we can achieve anything as long as we understand and believe.

“We know we can go far with the team we have. That’s all that matters.”