In an electrifying first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals, Arsenal held Bayern Munich to a thrilling 2-2 draw in London. The match saw Bayern Munich almost clinch a victory, staging a comeback before heading to Germany for the rematch next week.
Under the guidance of Mikel Arteta, Arsenal took the lead just 12 minutes into the game courtesy of a goal from Englishman Bukayo Saka. However, Thomas Tuchel’s Bayern Munich swiftly responded with goals from Serge Gnabry in the 18th minute and Harry Kane from the penalty spot in the 32nd minute. The equalizer came in the 76th minute from Leandro Trossard.
The action-packed encounter at the Emirates Stadium saw Arsenal seize an early advantage with a well-crafted play initiated from the right wing. Kai Havertz provided the assist to Ben White, who in turn set up Saka for a precise finish at the far post, beating Manuel Neuer.
Just five minutes after Arsenal’s opener, Bayern leveled the score. A defensive error allowed Gnabry to capitalize on a swift counter-attack, converting a chance created by León Goretzka. The German side then took the lead through Harry Kane’s penalty, awarded after Leroy Sané was fouled in the box by William Saliba.
Despite Bayern’s lead, they couldn’t capitalize on further opportunities, and Arsenal capitalized on a counter-attack of their own. Gabriel Jesús set up Trossard, who calmly slotted the ball past Neuer to equalize for the Gunners.
The match saw chances for both teams in the dying moments, with Kingsley Coman hitting the post for Bayern and Arsenal appealing for a penalty after contact between Saka and Neuer, but the referee waved play on.
Reflecting on the match, Kane acknowledged Arsenal’s quality, while Trossard expressed satisfaction with his contribution to the team’s performance.
The stage is now set for the rematch at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday, April 17th, where Bayern Munich will host Arsenal in what promises to be another thrilling encounter.
