- Arsenal salvaged a 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich on Tuesday night during the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie
- The second leg of this tie will be played in Munich on Wednesday, 17 April
On Tuesday, Arsenal salvaged a 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich during the Arsenal vs Bayern UEFA Champions League fixture.
Arsenal took an early lead through Bukayo Saka who found the back of the net twelve minutes into the match. However, they found themselves trailing before the break as goals from Serge Gnabry and Harry Kane gave the German side a 2-1 lead.
Leandro Trossard then struck with less than 15 minutes to play to level the scores for the Gunners in a pulsating encounter at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal vs Bayern. Photo/ Bavarian Football Works.
Mikel Arteta’s side had most of the possession but couldn’t take advantage of Bayern who were dangerous on breaks.
“We started the game very well. We were dominant and played in their half. We dominated the momentum, then it’s a critical moment when Ben White is in front of Manuel Neuer and we have to make it 2-0. That makes it a different moment… In a certain way, we are alive and have done what we had to do when the game became very difficult for us, but also we know we have to step up certain aspects to be much better and have a chance to progress.” Mikel Arteta said after the Arsenal vs Bayern match, as per Sky Sports.
The second leg of this tie will be played in Munich on Wednesday, 17 April, where the Bavarians will enjoy home support.
This weekend Arsenal will be hosting Aston Villa at the Emirates as they look to maintain their impressive run in the English Premier League this season. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich, who have already lost the race for the Bundesliga title to Bayer Leverkusen, will be facing FC Koln this weekend.
How The Arsenal Vs Bayern Game Unfolded
Mikel Arteta made a few changes to his squad that played against Brighton on Saturday, with Gabriel Martinelli and Jakub Kiwior replacing Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko. Meanwhile, Manuel Neuer and Leroy Sane were fit to start for Bayern Munich after recovering from injuries.
Having lost each of their last three meetings by a scoreline of 5-1, Arsenal knew they needed to start fast, which they did. With the home fans showing their support, the Gunners went in front after twelve minutes, thanks to a wonderful finish by Saka. The goal was assisted by Ben White who threaded a superb pass to the winger who curled the ball out of reach of the full-stretch Neuer.
Arsenal came close to doubling their lead shortly afterwards but White’s effort from close range was saved by Neuer. With Arsenal creating chances, it seemed as if Bayern were going to have a long night at the Emirates Stadium.
However, the momentum suddenly changed when Serge Gnabry levelled the scores in the 18th minute after a brilliant play by Leroy Sane and Leon Goretzka. The Bavarians were offered a golden opportunity to go in front Sane was fouled in the box by William Saliba. It was former Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane who converted the penalty to silence the 60,000 Arsenal fans in attendance.
Harry Kane celebrates after scoring against Arsenal. Photo/ Forbes.
Bayern would have increased their advantage to 3-1 before halftime when Sane sprinted through on goal and had only David Raya to beat. However, a heroic recovery by White ensured that the score was 2-1 at the break.
Arsenal were determined to regain control of the tie and started the second half by creating several chances. However, they couldn’t convert and had to wait until the 76th minute when substitute Leandro Trossard levelled the scores with a first-time finish.
Neuer appeared to have fouled Saka in the box in stoppage time but referee Glenn Nyberg waved play on which saw the game end 2-2.
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