Gnabry sees tie between Arsenal and Bayern as “50-50”

Serge Gnabry believes Bayern Munich and Arsenal have equal chances of emerging victorious from their Champions League quarter-final clash.

After losing 3-2 to Heidenheim at the weekend, Bayern Munich will be determined to bounce back on Tuesday when they travel to London to take on Arsenal in the first of two Champions League quarter-final matches.

The game will be particularly special for Serge Gnabry, who spent several years at Arsenal as a young player before returning to Germany in 2016.

Speaking ahead of the game in an interview published on Bayern Munich’s official website, Gnabry finds it difficult to pick a favorite.

“Arsenal have had what it takes to play at the top for a long time. The team has a certain flair and exudes strength. The odds are probably 50-50,” he said.

“It’s a do-or-die game – that’s where we’re usually particularly strong. Reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League would give us a huge boost. It’s our big goal.”

Remarkably, Bayern have beaten Arsenal 5-1 in their last three Champions League meetings – once in 2015 and twice in 2017 – but Gnabry doesn’t put too much weight on those head-to-head results.

“Arsenal have been on a very good run since Christmas. In any case, you can’t really say anything bad about a team that’s competing for the Premier League title.

“They’re strong, good finishers and are keen on having possession. They’re formidable in their own stadium with their fans behind them. It will be a difficult task, with two strong teams coming up against each other.”