Allianz Arena to host Champions League final in 2028, 16 years after Bayern Munich heartbreak

The Allianz Arena in Munich will stage the 2028 Champions League final, UEFA has confirmed, bringing European club football’s showpiece back to Bayern Munich’s home after a 16-year absence.

The decision was made at a meeting of UEFA’s executive committee in Thessaloniki, Greece, on Tuesday. Bayern Munich’s stadium has been selected to host the final in 2028.

The venue’s return to the Champions League final will carry particular significance because it was the scene of one of the competition’s most dramatic conclusions when Bayern faced Chelsea in 2012.

That final was played on 19 May 2012, with Bayern enjoying home advantage and the backing of their supporters. The German club had hoped to lift the European trophy in front of their own fans, but instead endured one of the most painful nights in their history.

Bayern appeared to be heading towards victory when Thomas Muller opened the scoring in the 83rd minute. His header wrong-footed the Chelsea defence and goalkeeper, sending the Allianz Arena into celebration as the hosts moved ahead with only minutes remaining.

Chelsea refused to surrender, however, and Didier Drogba brought the visitors level in the 88th minute with a powerful header from a corner. The goal came as a major shock to Bayern, who had been so close to securing the trophy on home soil.

The 90 minutes ended 1-1, sending the final into extra time. Bayern were then presented with a major opportunity to regain the lead when Drogba fouled Franck Ribery inside the penalty area, giving the German side a penalty.

Arjen Robben took responsibility for the spot-kick, but Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech saved it in two stages. The stop denied Bayern a chance to restore their advantage and potentially change the course of the match.

Neither side found a winning goal during extra time, so the final was decided by a penalty shootout. Chelsea prevailed to claim the Champions League trophy at Bayern’s expense and secure the first title in the competition’s history.

A night that Bayern had expected to become a historic celebration instead became one of the club’s most painful memories, while Chelsea celebrated a landmark triumph.

More than a decade and a half later, the Allianz Arena will welcome another Champions League final. Its hosting of the 2028 showpiece is certain to recall the events of 2012, when Bayern lost the trophy at home to Chelsea in dramatic fashion.