For Michael Olise, the Champions League clash against FC Arsenal is far more than just a sporting highlight. When the FC Bayern winger takes to the field at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening, he will not only be facing one of the strongest opponents in Europe – but also a former companion, close teammate and chess pupil: Eberechi Eze. Their years together at Crystal Palace have resulted in a special friendship that adds an extra layer to this clash.
Between 2021 and 2024, Olise and Eze formed one of the Premier League’s most spectacular attacking duos. Together, they whirled for Crystal Palace, shaped the club’s attacking play and grew close both in sporting and personal terms. It was Olise who taught Eze how to play chess at the training ground – a detail that underlines their special bond.
Eze recalled in an interview with The Athletic in 2023: „I only started learning chess when Michael came along. He and my brother got me to learn the game and compete against them.“ The 27-year-old got so involved in his new hobby that he even won an online chess tournament for celebrities that year – including prize money of 20,000 euros.
Two career paths – both in top form, both with top clubs
The former duo parted ways in the summer of 2024, when Olise moved to FC Bayern for just under €50 million. A year later, Eze moved to Arsenal for around €70 million.
Olise’s development since then has been impressive, delivering outstanding figures in the Bundesliga: six goals and seven assists in eleven games, plus a CL start with a goal and three assists in four appearances. His most recent gala performance in the 6-2 win over Freiburg underlined his outstanding form.
One day after Olise’s Bundesliga show, Eze followed it up with a treble in the Premier League derby against Tottenham. Five goals and three assists after 18 games this season show just how valuable he has become for Arsenal. Both will go into the clash in top form – a perfect moment for the reunion.
Chess on the pitch – and a duel with symbolic power
When Olise and Eze meet on Wednesday, it won’t just be about speed, creativity and goalscoring threat. It will also be a chess match in the figurative sense – because both know each other’s strengths like no other. Both are strong dribblers, unpredictable, technically outstanding. Both can decide a game with a single action.
Whether on the chessboard or the soccer pitch, Olise and Eze share a special rivalry with deep roots. Now they face each other on one of the biggest stages. For FC Bayern, it is a key match in the battle for the top spot in the top flight.