Arsenal and Bayern share spoils in entertaining affair
Bayern Munich came from behind to lead 2-1 at the break, but ultimately had to settle for a 2-2 draw against Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.
Coming into the game off the back of defeats to Borussia Dortmund and Heidenheim, Bayern were determined to show a different face, and they did just that, although they didn't get the win.
After a positive start with a fair amount of possession, Bayern handed the initiative to Arsenal as they looked to strike on the counter, but instead found themselves behind in the 12th minute after losing possession in a dangerous area.
Kai Havertz won the ball and found Ben White, who slipped the ball to Bukayo Saka. The winger took his time to turn before curling home to send the home fans into a frenzy.
Shellshocked by Saka's opener, Bayern almost conceded a second goal a few minutes later when Ben White was left unmarked in front of goal, but the defender sent his shot straight at Manuel Neuer, who made a vital save.
Then, out of nowhere, Bayern equalised through former Arsenal player Serge Gnabry. After winning the ball high up the pitch, Leroy Sané and Harry Kane combined quickly on the counter and found Leon Goretzka. The midfielder then slipped a pass behind the Arsenal defense for Gnabry to slide in and slot home past David Raya.
It got even better for Bayern on the half-hour mark when Leroy Sané raced past a number of Arsenal players before being brought down in the box by William Saliba to win a penalty. Harry Kane converted from the spot to give Bayern a 2-1 lead at half-time.
For much of the second half, Bayern looked in control, denying Arsenal any real chances while threatening on the counter at the other end.
But in the 76th minute, Arsenal suddenly found themselves on level terms after two second-half substitutes combined well. Gabriel Jesus held the ball up in a crowded area before finding Leandro Trossard, who fired past Manuel Neuer.
Kingsley Coman came agonizingly close to winning it for Bayern late on when his shot hit the post, and Arsenal had a penalty appeal waved away in stoppage time when Bukayo Saka went down in the box.
However, Trossard's equaliser proved to be the last goal of the night, leaving everything to play for ahead of the return leg in Munich on Wednesday next week.
