Goals, drama and goal-line saves: Bayern and Arsenal serve up 2-2 thriller
| FC Bayern players after the match against Arsenal. | Photo: Leonhard Simon / Getty Images. |
Bayern Munich and Arsenal FC clashed in a great UEFA Champions League match which ended in a fair 2-2 draw. Here is our full match report for the game:
Match report: FC Bayern vs. Arsenal FC
Heavy rain and a cautious opening set the scene in Munich, where Bayern faced a major test without several key players. Michael Olise was suspended, Joshua Kimmich was absent following a personal loss, and Luis Díaz started on the bench. Both sides took their time to settle, while Bukayo Saka’s early injury forced Arsenal into a change, with Eberechi Eze replacing the winger.
The game burst into life after 20 minutes. Bayern launched a counterattack following an Arsenal corner, with Harry Kane finding Alphonso Davies with a long pass. Ismael Saibari then played the ball first-time to Serge Gnabry, whose shot was just saved by David Raya.
Arsenal responded immediately. Eze collected a long ball down the left and fired into the far corner. The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but VAR overturned the decision after Josip Stanišić was found to have played the attacker onside. 1-0 to the guests.
Bayern hit back ten minutes later. Kane delivered a superb pass between Arsenal’s central defenders, allowing Davies to race through and slot home the equaliser. The teams went into half-time at 1-1 after an open and intense first half.
The pace continued after the break, with both goalkeepers producing crucial saves. Manuel Neuer denied Gabriel with a header, while Raya kept out Dayot Upamecano’s effort on the line.
The decisive moment appeared to arrive in the 59th minute. Kane’s shot struck the hand of Jurrien Timber inside the penalty area, and the referee awarded Bayern a spot-kick. Kane kept his composure and converted to give the hosts a 2-1 lead.
Bayern enjoyed a spell of dominance but failed to find a third goal. Arsenal punished them in the 82nd minute when a simple one-two opened up the home defence, allowing Declan Rice to finish past Neuer and make it 2-2.
Neither side found a winner in the closing stages, with both becoming more cautious as the final whistle approached. The draw was a fair reflection of an absorbing contest, although Bayern may feel they had done enough to take all three points.
