Arsenal 2-2 Bayern Munich – Champions League quarter-final LIVE: Live score, team news and updates as Leandro Trossard levels things up after Harry Kane gave Germans lead

Arsenal 2-2 Bayern Munich – Champions League quarter-final LIVE: Live score, team news and updates as Leandro Trossard levels things up after Harry Kane gave Germans lead

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Arsenal 2-2 Bayern

Oh my word, how is that not a penalty?

Bukayo Saka goes around Manuel Neuer and gets caught before going down.

Boos ring around the stadium! I can’t believe it.

Arsenal 2-2 Bayern

It’s all gone quiet again at the Emirates.

You can feel the nerves in the ground, they want this win, but as it stands it’s heading for a draw.

One more minute for that to change.

FIVE added minutes

Is there enough time for a winner?

HIT THE POST! Arsenal 2-2 Bayern

Was that the moment for Bayern?

Kingsley Coman smashes the post from close range after sending it through David Raya’s legs.

A huge let-off for Arsenal.

YELLOW CARD: Arsenal 2-2 Bayern (Partey)

Partey’s first contribution? a foul and a yellow card.

If you look up the definition of tactical foul, that’s what it will look like. He stops the Bayern counter with a little flick of his foot.

SUBSTITUTION: Arsenal 2-2 Bayern

A fourth change of the night for Arsenal.

Thomas Partey is on for Arsenal, and Kai Havertz makes way for him.

I’m assuming that Gabriel Jesus will now lead the line.

Arsenal 2-2 Bayern

That’s the noise both I and the Emirates made as Bukayo Saka lofts in a lovely cross but no one is there to attack it.

A brilliant chance, if only someone was there to take it.

Arsenal's Bukayo Saka shoots during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final, first leg match at the Emirates Stadium, London. Picture date: Tuesday April 9, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Arsenal. Photo credit should read: John Walton/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.

Arsenal 2-2 Bayern

Bayern aren’t going to sit back, they have suddenly taken control of the ball since the equaliser.

However, they aren’t getting much further than the edge of the area, Arsenal are defending well.

This game keeps swinging back and forth!

Arsenal 2-2 Bayern

Aadam Patel, Mail Sport, at the Emirates:

The Emirates has finally found its voice. All Arsenal now as they hunt for a winner. The two substitutions with an immediate impact.

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 09: Leandro Trossard of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg match between Arsenal FC and FC Bayern München at Emirates Stadium on April 09, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Arsenal 2-2 Bayern

The Emirates is alive and kicking again.

That goal has lifted the whole stadium and now you feel that the Gunners could go on to grab another.

Football is just brilliant, it can just change at the drop of a hat.

GOAL!!! Arsenal 2-2 Bayern (Trossard 76′)

Leandro Trossard is the man for the big occasion and he’s delivered again with a lovely low finish.

You’ve got to give credit to Gabriel Jesus as well, he danced around the Bayern defenders before setting up the Belgian.

Mikel Arteta’s substitutions have paid off!

Arsenal 1-2 Bayern

This match is so stop-start, it’s not flowing at all.

Eric Dier goes down with a sore one but after some time returns to his feet.

It’s all going to plan for Bayern, the lack of flow to this game is suiting them and stunting Arsenal.

Bayern Munich's Eric Dier reacts on the ground during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final, first leg match at the Emirates Stadium, London. Picture date: Tuesday April 9, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Arsenal. Photo credit should read: John Walton/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.

SUBSTITUTION: Arsenal 1-2 Bayern

This doesn’t look good for Serge Gnabry.

The Bayern goalscorer is down for a while with some sort of muscle problem, he looks uncomfortable.

He can’t continue and Raphael Guerreiro replaces him.

GOOD BLOCK! Arsenal 1-2 Bayern

Bayern are really going forward now.

I think the Bavarians sense blood, and harry Kane sees an effort from the edge of the area well blocked by countryman Declan Rice.

Rice needed to be there, that shot could have caused David Raya problems.

SUBSTITUTIONS: Arsenal 1-2 Bayern

Bayern have caused Arsenal all sorts of problem on the counter-attack, and Serge Gnabry has fired narrowly over following a quick break.

And now the German Champions have decided to make a change, and it’s a surprising one, Leroy sane is being hooked for Kingsley Coman.

Mikel Arteta rolls the dice as well. Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus have come on for Gabriel Martinelli and Jorginho.

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 09: Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal is substituted on for teammate Jorginho during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg match between Arsenal FC and FC Bayern München at Emirates Stadium on April 09, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Arsenal 1-2 Bayern

Arsenal fans want a penalty, and so does Mikel Arteta, but the referee waves it away.

Kai Havertz went down under pressure from Matthijs de Ligt, but it was never going to be given.

Arsenal 1-2 Bayern

Aadam Patel, Mail Sport, at the Emirates:

Mikel Arteta has just turned to the Arsenal fans to encourage his side. You have to say that anything less than an Arsenal win would be a disappointment for them but right now, they’d even take a draw

Arsenal 1-2 Bayern

Mikel Arteta calls for more noise from the Emirates, and surprise, surprise, they respond.

However, moments later it’s Bayern that stream forward, with Konrad Laimer having a pop from distance.

It was never troubling David Raya though.

Arsenal 1-2 Bayern

Bayern really don’t want to let Arsenal play.

Konrad Laimer takes out Bukayo Saka as he starts to break away, a tactical foul I’d say. I’m surprised it didn’t get a booking.

Once again though, the Gunners waste the set-piece.

Arsenal 1-2 Bayern

Lovely, lovely football from Bayern.

The German side link up well before Leon Goretzka has a go from the edge of the area, but drags it wide.

Bayern have been playing in the smash-and-grab mode for most of this match, but that was some proper football!

YELLOW CARD: Arsenal 1-2 Bayern (Kane)

Oh, Harry Kane… that’s not very nice!

We know the former Spurs captain doesn’t like Arsenal, but I think it’s a bit far to elbow an opponent.

Kane backs into Gabriel and lays an elbow into the neck of the Arsenal centre-back. Very naughty.

He gets a yellow and the Emirates cheers.

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 09: Match referee Glenn Nyberg shows a yellow card to Harry Kane of Bayern Munich during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg match between Arsenal FC and FC Bayern München at Emirates Stadium on April 09, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Arsenal 1-2 Bayern

Not this time though, Declan Rice floats it over everybody and out for a throw-in.

Arsenal are starting to play football again now, they just need to be patient and use the crowd.

Arsenal 1-2 Bayern

The decibel level really has just gone up a level.

Leroy Sane gives away a silly foul and now Arsenal have a very good opportunity from a set-piece.

They are normally lethal from them…

Arsenal 1-2 Bayern

Good defending from Leon Goretzka.

The German midfielder puts off Gabriel Martinelli as Kai Havertz floats in a cross to the back post. The offside flag goes up anyway.

What the half-chance does do though is get the Gunners fans singing again.

They had been quiet since the Harry Kane penalty.

SECOND HALF: Arsenal 1-2 Bayern

Arsenal are sent out very early and Mikel Arteta has made a change, Oleksandr Zinchenko is on for Jakub Kiwior.

And they get the ball rolling again, how will they respond in this 45 minutes?

A huge second half for Arsenal!

Arsenal players have a team huddle during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final, first leg match at the Emirates Stadium, London. Picture date: Tuesday April 9, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Arsenal. Photo credit should read: John Walton/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.

Crumbling under the pressure?

I said before the game, the Champions League is a different ball game.

Sometimes the best sides in their respective leagues still struggle on European nights, and we are seeing that here.

Bayern’s European pedigree is shining through, they have taken their chances when they have come.

Can Arsenal refind their form and mount a comeback?

Soccer Football - Champions League - Quarter Final - First Leg - Arsenal v Bayern Munich - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - April 9, 2024 Arsenal's William Saliba and Martin Odegaard remonstrate with referee Glenn Nyberg after a penalty is awarded to Bayern Munich REUTERS/David Klein

Gnabry loves London!

When Serge Gnabry ran away in celebration I was slightly surprised, but I guess he never really got a game for Arsenal.

What is clear is that he loves London, specifically the north part, he bangs them in for fun there.

Just look at that record!

WATCH: Kane turns it around for Bayern

Just listen to the silence…

My colleague Aadam Patel who is at the ground stated ‘If you weren’t watching you’d have no idea that Bayern scored’. I have to agree.

Harry Kane was never going to crumble together and with that penalty, he has now scored the most goals of any visiting player at the Emirates.

he loves a goal against the Gunners, enjoy Bayern, and Spurs fans…

‘Gunners have a solid task on their hands’

Aadam Patel, Mail Sport, at the Emirates:

Arsenal have had 60 per cent possession and eight shots to Bayern’s two but crucially those two have gone in. That’s all that matters for now. Arsenal will want to go to Munich with an advantage and they have a solid task on their hands now.

HALF-TIME: Arsenal 1-2 Bayern

The whistle is blown for the break and you can hear a small amount of applause.

Arsenal got off to a flyer through Bukayo Saka, and you thought it was set to be a fantastic night for them.

That soon changed. First, a goal on his return to the Emirates for Serge Gnabry, and then Harry Kane netted from the spot to haunt his old rivals.

Arsenal struggled after that, and the Emirates went quiet. The Gunners have a lot to do in the second half.

However, this tie is far from over.

EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Simon Dael/Shutterstock (14424047av) Harry Kane of Bayern Munich celebrates the goal with their teammates to make it 1-2 Arsenal v Bayern Munich, UEFA Champions League, Quarter Final, First Leg, Football, Emirates Stadium, London, UK - 09 Apr 2024
Soccer Football - Champions League - Quarter Final - First Leg - Arsenal v Bayern Munich - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - April 9, 2024 Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta REUTERS/David Klein

ONE added minute

There will be just one minute of stoppage time in the first half.

Not long to find an equaliser then…

Arsenal 1-2 Bayern

Arsenal just aren’t looking themselves at the moment.

The Gunners are struggling going forward, Gabriel Martinelli has barely had a kick.

They will need to regroup at half-time, or can they find something before the break?

Arsenal 1-2 Bayern

Gabriel Martinelli wipes out Harry Kane and the crowd cheers.

The Gunners fans have been booing Kane all evening, but that won’t matter to him, he’s already had his say.

Arsenal need to get going again themselves, they’re struggling here at the Emirates.

Arsenal 1-2 Bayern

Aadam Patel, Mail Sport, at the Emirates:

Arsenal get away with one there. They are getting themselves into all sorts of trouble. They are a better football side than Bayern but Thomas Tuchel’s side have quality within their ranks and look a threat whenever the Gunners lose possession.

BRILLIANT TACKLE! Arsenal 1-2 Bayern

What a tackle from Ben White!

Arsenal’s defence is all over the place and suddenly Leroy Sane breaks free.

However, he slows down as he enters the Arsenal area and Ben White gets back to nick it off him.

I thought it was going to be 3-1, I’d even started typing goal, but Sane just didn’t have the metal.

Arsenal are normally so solid, but not tonight.

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 09: Leroy Sane of Bayern Munich is tackled by Ben White of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg match between Arsenal FC and FC Bayern München at Emirates Stadium on April 09, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Arsenal 1-2 Bayern

This is a real test of Arsenal’s character now.

You can feel it within the Emirates that they are stunned, after going 1-0 up so quickly, not many expected this.

How will Mikel Arteta’s side respond?

GOAL!!! Arsenal 1-2 Bayern (Kane 32′)

Harry Kane stutters and then sends David Raya the wrong way.

He was never going to return to north London without having his say, and he puts Bayern in front.

The Emirates is silenced. Never in doubt.

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 09: Harry Kane of Bayern Munich scores his team's second goal from the penalty spot as David Raya of Arsenal looks on during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg match between Arsenal FC and FC Bayern München at Emirates Stadium on April 09, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 09: Harry Kane of Bayern Munich celebrates scoring his team's second goal from a penalty during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg match between Arsenal FC and FC Bayern München at Emirates Stadium on April 09, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

PENALTY TO BAYERN!

That is a penalty all day long.

Leroy Sane is so quick and runs past everyone before being tripped in the area by William Saliba.

The ball is in the hands of Harry Kane…

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 09: Leroy Sane of Bayern Munich is tackled by William Saliba of Arsenal leading to a penalty decision for Bayern Munich during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg match between Arsenal FC and FC Bayern München at Emirates Stadium on April 09, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Arsenal 1-1 Bayern

Arsenal cause chaos in the area from a corner and Bayern can’t get it away initially.

After everybody has a kick at the ball it’s eventually in the hands of Manual Neuer.

That was like an under 7s match when everyone is going for the ball.

epa11268240 Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer gets to the ball during the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, 1st leg soccer match between Arsenal FC and FC Bayern Munich, in London, Britain, 09 April 2024.  EPA/ANDY RAIN

Arsenal 1-1 Bayern

Arsenal have responded well to the equaliser.

The Gunners defenders seem to be the ones pushing for goals, Jakub Kiwior has just sent a header straight into the hands of manual Neuer.

The life has been sucked out of the Emirates with that goal though.

Arsenal 1-1 Bayern

Aadam Patel, Mail Sport, at the Emirates:

Wow. No one expected that. And there’s a proper silence around the ground. It’s a goal Arsenal could and should have avoided and Mikel Arteta will be fuming.

GOAL!!! Arsenal 1-1 Bayern (Gnabry 18′)

A sucker punch from nowhere!

Serge Gnabry returns to where it all started to haunt his old club.

Harry Kane sends a beautiful pass into Leon Goretzka who slips in Gnabry to slide past David Raya via a deflection.

A lovely goal, but the first poor defending I have seen from Arsenal in a long time.

Bayern Munich's German midfielder #07 Serge Gnabry (R) shoots and scores his team first goal during the UEFA Champions League quarter final first-leg football match between Arsenal and Bayern Munich at the Arsenal Stadium, in north London, on April 9, 2024. (Photo by Ian Kington / IKIMAGES / AFP) (Photo by IAN KINGTON/IKIMAGES/AFP via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 9: Serge Gnabry of Bayern Munich celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 1-1 during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg match between Arsenal FC and FC Bayern Munchen at Emirates Stadium on April 9, 2024 in London, England.(Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)

BIG SAVE! Arsenal 1-0 Bayern

Oh, Ben White! So close to an Arsenal second.

Kai Havertz slides through Ben White who is through on goal, but one-on-one with Manuel Neuer sends it straight at him.

I wonder if White has a nosebleed, that’s the last person you’d expect to be in that scenario.

EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Simon Dael/Shutterstock (14424047bo) Ben White of Arsenal takes a shot on goal Arsenal v Bayern Munich, UEFA Champions League, Quarter Final, First Leg, Football, Emirates Stadium, London, UK - 09 Apr 2024

Arsenal 1-0 Bayern

Aadam Patel, Mail Sport, at the Emirates:

We spoke to a lot of Arsenal fans before the game asking them to compare Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden. Most mentioned that Saka needed to do it more for Arsenal on big occasions to reach that Foden level. Well, there’s one for starters

GOAL!!! Arsenal 1-0 Bayern (Saka 12′)

Of course, it had to be Bukayo Saka, and what a finish that is as he bends it past Manuel Neuer into the bottom corner.

It started with a lovely pass from Martin Odegaard, and then Saka did the rest.

The Emirates goes bezerk, it’s deafening in there.

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 09: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal scores his team's first goal under pressure from Eric Dier of Bayern Munich during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg match between Arsenal FC and FC Bayern München at Emirates Stadium on April 09, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Soccer Football - Champions League - Quarter Final - First Leg - Arsenal v Bayern Munich - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - April 9, 2024 Arsenal's Bukayo Saka celebrates scoring their first goal Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs

YELLOW CARD: Arsenal 0-0 Bayern (Davies)

That’s a nasty one, but I’m surprised it’s worth a yellow card.

Alphonso Davies accidentally catches Bukayo Saka on the heel and receives a booking for it. It means he will be suspended for the second leg.

The crowd enjoyed seeing the card come out, that’s for sure.

Arsenal 0-0 Bayern

Arsenal have thrown their first punch, and only just narrowly missed it.

Bayern give the ball away and Arsenal pounce, Gabriel Martinelli picks up the ball from Kai Havertz and fires a ferocious shoot slightly wide of the mark.

The Brazilian forward then calls for more noise from the crowd, and they oblige.

Arsenal 0-0 Bayern

I can tell you the Gunners have not got off to a flying start…

It’s been all Bayern in truth. The visitors look very comfortable passing it around and biding their time.

No chances to report as of yet.

Arsenal 0-0 Bayern

I may sound like a broken record, but this atmosphere is electric.

You feel Arsenal will want to get off to a flying start, using the crowd to their advantage.

It could be a tough evening for the visitors without any fans there.

Soccer Football - Champions League - Quarter Final - First Leg - Arsenal v Bayern Munich - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - April 9, 2024 Arsenal fans inside the stadium before the match Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs

KICK-OFF: Arsenal 0-0 Bayern

The Arsenal fans roar as Bayern Munich get us underway.

It’s so loud in here, it just has that feeling of a magical European night, let’s hope it is.

Can Arsenal translate their league form into Europe, or will Bayern and Harry Kane burst their bubble?

epa11268171 The starting eleven of Arsenal pose for the team picture before the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, 1st leg soccer match between Arsenal FC and FC Bayern Munich, in London, Britain, 09 April 2024.  EPA/ANDY RAIN
Soccer Football - Champions League - Quarter Final - First Leg - Arsenal v Bayern Munich - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - April 9, 2024 Bayern Munich players pose for a team group photo before the match Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs

Here come the teams

You can already hear the Arsenal fans from the tunnel.

The Emirates is bouncing. You could tell that it would be from the outside, and now the stadium is ready for the big night ahead.

The teams are out, the infamous Champions League anthem is played, and the excitement is through the roof.

I’m itching for kick-off now!

Thomas Tuchel: ‘Always a bit of expectation we should win quarter-final’

Thomas Tuchel, Bayern Munich boss, speaking to TNT Sports:

Everyone is aware this is a different Arsenal side than last matches, still, there is always a bit of expectation we should win quarter-final, semifinal, Champions League but this is natural in this club having won many times.

I feel it is a privilege to be in the last eight and should not forget that. I think Arsenal waited 14 years for quarter-final so it became normal for us which is a good thing but today is the day for us to prove a point.

Owen Hargreaves: ‘Arsenal remind me of 2008 United winners’

Owen Hargreaves, 2008 Champions League winner with Man United, speaking on TNT Sports:

This Arsenal team reminds me of the United team men and Rio [Ferdinand] played in [that won the Champions League in 2008].

Well, we were very lucky. We were blessed, we had everything. We could play the possession game, we could out-score you, Defensively, we were very good. Good on set-pieces, this Arsenal team for the first time in a decade, I don’t think they have a weakness. They can play in any style and I don’t think they’ll fear Bayern Munich.

They can be confident, they’re the better team right now. Looking at those teams, they’ll probably show it. They’ll be full of belief and this crowd is in for a treat tonight.

Kane and Dier’s warm welcome…

Arsenal fans have had their attempt at intimidating Harry Kane.

Did it work? I guess time will tell, but probably not. Of course, they had to pull out their best song… ‘Arsenal, Arsenal, Arsenal’.

I’m going to predict that chant will be sung 14 times tonight. I wish they sang something more creative.

At least the team is good at football, we aren’t in the music industry!

Dier believes he should ‘be a part of’ England set-up

Eric Dier is certainly confident in his own ability.

As a footballer, you have to have a certain swagger about you to be successful, you’ve got to walk the line of confidence and cockiness.

Well, Dier believes in himself at the moment. During an appearance of the Overlap Podcast, he stated that he ‘should be a part’ of the current England set-up.

I must admit, when thinking of England’s future, Eric Dier has not been a player I’ve thought of.

However, that doesn’t mean he won’t have a part to play for the Three Lions in the future. He’s got his chance to impress back in England tonight against the Gunners.

Could he be a wildcard for Euro 2024?

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 09: Eric Dier of Bayern Munich arrives at the stadium prior to  the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg match between Arsenal FC and FC Bayern München at Emirates Stadium on April 09, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by S. Mellar/FC Bayern via Getty Images)

Gunners fans up for the task

Arsenal fans are up for it tonight.

Anyone who follows the Gunners knows how big tonight is for the club, and the fans are going to do all they can to help their team.

They have the whole stadium to themselves and I feel the fans will create a special atmosphere inside the ground this evening.

The songs are already being sung.

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 09: The Ashburton Army make their way to the stadium prior to the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg match between Arsenal FC and FC Bayern München at Emirates Stadium on April 09, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Soccer Football - Champions League - Quarter Final - First Leg - Arsenal v Bayern Munich - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - April 9, 2024 Arsenal fans with flares arriving to the stadium before the match REUTERS/David Klein

Rio Ferdinand: ‘So much riding on this match’

Rio Ferdinand, 2008 Champions League winner with Man United, speaking on TNT Sports:

You dream of these moments here. These are career-defining moments. This is a season-defining moment for the club. This is bigger than just tonight as well. This is about the Champions League tonight, but results here tonight can impact the end of the season when silverware has been handed out.

So there’s so much riding on it, which means more pressure, but an even bigger, bigger game for us to come and be a part of and you can feel the tension already.

Arteta’s history with Bayern

Mikel Arteta said his side have ‘a big task’ ahead of them tonight, and he certainly knows what it feels like.

The Spanish manager was one of the unfortunate players to feel the wrath of a dominant Bayern Munich back in 2013.

They aren’t as good as they used to be now though…

Mikel Arteta: ‘We have a big task ahead of us’

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager, speaking on Monday:

We’re really enjoying the moment; this is where we want to be. We’re in a really good position in the Premier League and we’re in a really good position in the Champions League. We have a big task ahead of us against one of the most successful teams in Europe and that’s the hurdle we have to overcome, and we are looking forward to it.

They’re a tough team. I’m a big fan, a big admirer of Thomas [Tuchel], his teams, the way they settle and play, the way they transmit. I learn a lot about him and looking at Bayern and when you are analysing this league, you see why they are a top team. We have prepared very well, and we have to take our game where we want it, and if we do that, we have a chance to win.

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 6:  Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta  during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Arsenal FC at American Express Community Stadium on April 6, 2024 in Brighton, England.(Photo by David Horton - CameraSport via Getty Images)

Are Arsenal legitimate contenders to win the Champions League?

Arsenal’s Champions League heritage is far from prestige.

The Gunners are still yet to taste Champions League glory and got knocked out seven campaigns in a row in the round of 16 between 2011 and 2017.

However, this Arsenal team is different to those that failed in years gone by, they have proved this season that they have the mental strength to go far in this competition.

They’re a team that no one likes to face these days, they strike fear into their opponents and have now been branded one of the favourites to win the competition.

So, what do you think, are they legitimate contenders?

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 12: Arsenal celebrate their victory during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 second leg match between Arsenal FC and FC Porto at Emirates Stadium on March 12, 2024 in London, England.(Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)

Arsenal Team News – Martinelli STARTS

This is a very strong Arsenal side.

On a hue night, Mikel Arteta has made two changes from the side that ran out 3-0 winners at Brighton.

Gabriel Martinelli and Jakub Kiwior come into the side with Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko dropping to the bench.

Bayern Team News – Kane and Dier START

The Tottenham lads are in town.

Harry Kane and Eric Dier both return to the home of their former rivals and start.

Can this Bayern Munich 11 cause an upset?

‘Arsenal’s biggest hurdle tonight is themselves’

Oliver Holt, Mail Sport Chief Sports Writer, at the Emirates:

It feels as if the biggest hurdle Arsenal have to overcome tonight is themselves. For much of the past two decades, they have developed an inferiority complex in the Champions League but when they run out against Bayern Munich this evening, they need to believe that they are one of the best teams in Europe again. Perhaps even THE best team in Europe.

They are top of the best league in Europe and they are favourites to win tonight. They need to go out and play like the elite team they have become.

Arsenal are in town

The Arsenal players have arrived for one of the club’s biggest fixtures in over a decade.

Which 11 will be the lucky ones to start tonight?

We will find out very soon.

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 09: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal arrives at the stadium prior to the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg match between Arsenal FC and FC Bayern München at Emirates Stadium on April 09, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 09: Jorginho of Arsenal arrives at the stadium prior to the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg match between Arsenal FC and FC Bayern München at Emirates Stadium on April 09, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

How did they both get here?

Arsenal and Bayern Munich both had to come from behind in the round of 16 to secure their places in the last eight.

Both sides’ paths to the quarter-finals have been fairly similar. Both sides topped their group, both went 1-0 down in the first leg, and both turned their ties around in the second to win at home.

The similarity of their Champions League will end here though as they battle it out for a semi-final place against either Real Madrid or Man City.

How different will these stats look by the end of the night?

‘You feel very confident going into every game’

Aadam Patel, Mail Sport, has been down at the Emirates prior to kick-off tonight to speak to the Gunners fans.

It seems that the confidence is certainly there that Arsenal can turn Bayern Munich over.

Captain Odegaard’s rallying cry

The mood in the Arsenal camp is sky-high right now, and that includes the fanbase.

Speaking prior to tonight’s big match, Arsenal captain, Martin Odegaard, has called for their fans to bring the noise.

We will have the whole stadium as well tonight, so hopefully that can make a big difference in our favour, and it’s up to us to take full advantage of that. We know you’ll be bringing the noise and making the whole stadium red because big games like this are what everyone wants to be involved in. We’re looking forward to another memorable night for us, another full house, and if we can create the atmosphere we had for the Porto game, then it will be an amazing occasion.

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 3: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal FC celebrates after scoring a goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Luton Town at Emirates Stadium on April 3, 2024 in London, England.(Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)

Bayern away fans BANNED

If tonight’s task wasn’t already difficult for Bayern Munich, they won’t even have any fans there to cheer them on.

UEFA banned Bayern Munich dans from attending tonight’s match due to their supporters’ throwing fireworks onto the pitch during their match against Lazio in March.

So, this is certainly something Arsenal can use to their advantage tonight. The Emirates will be a cauldron of noise come kick-off.

ROME, ITALY - FEBRUARY 14: The fans of Bayern Munich show their support as they wave flags and light pyrotechnics prior to kick-off ahead of the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 first leg match between SS Lazio and FC Bayern München at Stadio Olimpico on February 14, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by S. Mellar/FC Bayern via Getty Images)

Arsenal’s chance to avenge Bayern heartache

I’m sorry to have to remind you of this Arsenal fans…

I think it’s fair to say when you think of these two sides facing off, you think of all the 5-1 defeats Arsenal have suffered at the hands of Bayern in recent times.

The Gunners have lost their past three games against Bayern by the aforementioned scoreline. Not happy reading.

The Gunners have been knocked out by the German Champions on all five occasions they have met in the Champions League knockout stages.

However, tonight you just feel that run of poor form could come to an end – well I do anyway.

Arsenal are rightly the favourites.

UEFA Champions League 2016/17 Round Of 16 Second Leg, Arsenal v Bayern Munich, London, United Kingdom - 7th March 2017Robert Lewandowski celebrates his penalty to make it 1-1Munich won the game 5-1, winning through 10-2 on aggregate. . REXMAILPIX.
Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain looks dejected after the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, Second Leg match at the Emirates Stadium, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday March 7, 2017. See PA story SOCCER Arsenal. Photo credit should read: Nick Potts/PA Wire

North London return for Kane

Now, back to matters on the pitch.

An old enemy returns to the Emirates tonight, Tottenham’s all-time top scorer Harry Kane. The former Spurs captain loved a game against Arsenal, and I’m sure he wasn’t expecting to return against his old rivals so soon after moving to Germany.

Kane has scored 14 goals in 19 appearances against Arsenal, with five of them coming at the Emirates which is the joint-most goals scored by a visiting player at the ground.

The England captain is still in search of his first silverware in senior football, and with all German domestic trophies pretty much out of reach, the Champions League is his last option this season.

I’m sure he would love to be the person to ruin Arsenal’s chances of a first Champions League trophy.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 12: Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur scores their side's first goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 12, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 12: Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after scoring their side's second goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 12, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)

Security heightened after ISIS threat

Security will be increased tonight at the Emirates, as well as all Champions League fixtures this week after an ISIS media outlet shared a post on social media with a threat towards all stadiums hosting Champions League quarter-final first legs.

The Metropolitan Police have said they are ‘aware of the threat and that a ‘robust policing plan’ was in place for tonight’s match.

Spanish and French ministers have also revealed security will be stepped up with all games going ahead as planned.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan has reassured the public that the Met police are prepared and will ‘work closely’ with Arsenal’s security team to ensure tonight’s fixture passes ‘peacefully’.

epa11267743 Police outside Arsenal's Emirates Stadium ahead of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, 1st leg soccer match between Arsenal FC and FC Bayern Munich in London, Britain, 09 April 2024.  EPA/ANDY RAIN

Bayern’s last hope

Bayern Munich fans will be willing this season to end as soon as possible.

Well, that is unless they can defy the odds and win the Champions League. Far less impressive teams have managed the feat in the past.

Thomas Tuchel’s side are just one game away from relinquishing their Bundesliga dominance and have been knocked out of all domestic competition.

So yes, the odds are stacked against a poor Bayern side who just can’t seem to find form, but they still have the know-how of how to navigate this competition.

Harry Kane will obviously be key for them, while Joshua Kimmich and Thomas Muller – among others – were part of the team that secured the Champions League trophy in 2020.

They will need to call on that experience if they are to get past Arsenal.

MUNICH, GERMANY - MARCH 09: Leon Goretzka of Bayern Munich celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammates Harry Kane and Raphael Guerreiro during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and 1. FSV Mainz 05 at Allianz Arena on March 09, 2024 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by M. Donato/FC Bayern via Getty Images)

High-flying Arsenal ready for struggling Bayern

I said it on Saturday night, and I’ll say it today, something special is brewing at Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s men have had their doubters throughout the season but have shown their maturity in the title race this season, which was epitomised in their impressive 3-0 win away at Brighton.

They sit top of the Premier League, due to a better goal difference than Liverpool, but tonight is a chance for them to show they can handle the pressure in Europe too.

The Champions League is a completely different ball game, many teams who have dominated in their respective league have struggled to translate that form in Europe.

While many people are expecting the Gunners to sweep aside Bayern Munich due to the differences in form, the Bavarian side still have several players that can cause them problems, including Harry Kane.

Form can go out the window in the Champions League knockout stages, so Arsenal will have to make sure they are in top form tonight.

It’s set to be a belter.

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 06: Kai Havertz of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammates during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Arsenal FC at American Express Community Stadium on April 06, 2024 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
HEIDENHEIM, GERMANY - APRIL 06: Harry Kane and Joshua Kimmich (R) of Bayern Munich look dejected following defeat in the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 and FC Bayern München at Voith-Arena on April 06, 2024 in Heidenheim, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images) (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Arsenal’s road to Wembley continues…

Arsenal fans have waited 15 years for a night like this.

Gunners’ fans have not seen their side partake in a Champions League quarter-final since 2010, but tonight the wait ends as Mikel Arteta’s side take to the Emirates turf to face Bayern Munich.

Recent history does not favour Arsenal, but their form does, while you can not say the same about the German Champions.

However, Bayern do have a player in their ranks that has struck fear into the Gunners in the past. That player is Harry Kane, the former Tottenham captain returns to north London tonight.

It’s certainly a big night for Arsenal – we will see if they are truly the real deal in Europe – this is their biggest test yet.

Let’s get started then!

epa11267714 Matchday decorations are seen next to the players tunnel at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium ahead of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, 1st leg soccer match between Arsenal FC and FC Bayern Munich in London, Britain, 09 April 2024.  EPA/ANDY RAIN
Key Updates

  • GOAL!!! Arsenal 2-2 Bayern (Trossard 76′)

  • HALF-TIME: Arsenal 1-2 Bayern

  • GOAL!!! Arsenal 1-2 Bayern (Kane 32′)

  • PENALTY TO BAYERN!

  • GOAL!!! Arsenal 1-1 Bayern (Gnabry 18′)

  • GOAL!!! Arsenal 1-0 Bayern (Saka 12′)

  • Arsenal Team News – Martinelli STARTS

  • Bayern Team News – Kane and Dier START

  • Arsenal’s road to Wembley continues…






Source From: Football | Mail Online

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