Taking on the Bundesliga champions in Munich is a fitting way to mark our return to Europe's top table. Of course, it was in the German capital in 2012 that Chelsea first lifted the Champions League trophy, a game James watched as a boyhood Blue.

The Academy graduate wrote his own history in the competition in the decade that followed; most memorably starting the final against Manchester City in 2021 and ending that night in Porto as a European champion.

Four years on, and now club captain, James is preparing to lead us into our latest European adventure. And the 25-year-old will not be overawed. The Champions League stage, the biggest of nights on the continent, is exactly where Chelsea should be.

‘The Champions League is where the club belongs,’ James says. ‘We’re happy to be back playing against the best teams and competing in the best competitions, because we haven’t been in this one for the last two seasons.’

The latest chapter in our European story begins on Wednesday at Allianz Arena. The stadium's trademark red glow and fervent atmosphere, coupled with the quality of the two squads, will make it a true heavyweight clash.

‘They are always super strong,' says James. 'They are a European giant, and they have won the competition before and know what it takes. So, it will be a super tough game.'

The Blues have demonstrated that we can overcome Europe's best – last season's Champions League winners, Paris Saint-Germain, were beaten impressively by Enzo Maresca's side in the Club World Cup final this summer.

It's why James is confident of what can be achieved in this season's competition, and why he is proud to lead the Blues into our latest European campaign.

‘Captaining Chelsea was always something I dreamt of, especially in the Champions League,’ he says. ‘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.’

For Reece, the Champions League has always created lifelong memories. Before he was leading Chelsea out, he was a boyhood Chelsea supporter, watching from home as the club made history for the first time in the competition.

‘The Champions League has always meant a lot to me,’ he reflects. ‘I remember the final in 2012; I watched the game with my family – my brother and sister – at our house. I was always over the moon when we won trophies.’

James followed in the footsteps of those he idolised when he made his Champions League debut for the Blues against Lille in 2019. Later in that campaign, he struck an unforgettable equaliser in a pulsating 4-4 draw with Ajax to become our youngest-ever Champions League goalscorer.

‘I remember coming onto the pitch in that game and finding myself in the box for some reason – then the ball dropped to me and I scored.

‘That day was a dream come true. To score in such an iconic competition – and that night there was an electric atmosphere at the Bridge – was a super proud moment for me. I remember the players and fans, everyone celebrating when I scored. It was carnage when that goal went in, and it is an amazing memory.’

James wrote his name into Chelsea history just two years later as a vital part of the Chelsea side that brought home the big-eared trophy for a second time by defeating Manchester City in Porto.

The memory is one he cherishes. The experience and the emotions he wants to live again.

‘It was the best feeling,’ he says. ‘Winning the Champions League...many people didn’t believe in us at the time, but we did it.

‘Every round that year, we felt like everyone made us the underdog – even in the final. But we went on to win it.

'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.’