Arsenal underlined their credentials as Champions League favourites on Wednesday with a dominant win over Bayern Munich at the Emirates.
The hosts were happy to sit off early on in what was a cagey opening, but a trademark Arsenal set-piece routine opened the scoring as Jurrien Timber rose to glance in Declan Rice’s corner.
Home fans though their team would be two up not long later as derby hero Ebere Eze went clean through, but he misplaced the pass to Saka before the visitors equalised with a slick move of their own moments later, Serge Gnabry squaring Joshua Kimmich’s diagonal pass for Lennart Karl to tap in.
However, it was Arsenal who came back out looking for the win, with the Gunners dominating the visitors as a series of set-pieces caused plenty of trouble.
However, it was to be a superb team move of their own that gave the hosts the lead, substitute Riccardo Calafiori delivering a brilliant cross that Noni Madueke bundled in well.
And there was time to put the icing on the cake late on too as Gabriel Martinelli left Neuer in no-man’s land to tap in a third and give the Gunners control of the Champions League league phase.
Follow all the reaction from the Champions League below:
Arsenal v Bayern Munich live: Latest Champions League updates
- Arsenal beat Bayern Munich in Champions League to move top of league phase table
- 77' GOAL! Martinelli embarrasses Neuer to make it three [ARS 3-1 BAY]
- 70' GOAL! Madueke puts finishing touches on team move [ARS 2-1 BAY]
- 33' GOAL! Karl finishes great team move [ARS 1-1 BAY]
- 23' GOAL! Timber opens the scoring with clever header [ARS 1-0 BAY]
How their Bayern demolition proves Arsenal are the best side in Europe
22:40 , Chris WilsonAnother victory of outstanding quality, that may yet set up more to come. And maybe a new Champions League winner.
If a theme of this second campaign of an expanded Champions League has been the sense of lower stakes, this 3-1 Arsenal win over the next best side in Europe may yet be a sign of how this season is actually decided. That isn’t just for the fact that Mikel Arteta’s supremely complete side comprehensively won a tactically-rich contest between fine sides, or even that 17-year-old Bayern Munich revelation Lennart Karl looked so promising.
There was also the nature of the tactical contest, that has started to form another theme of this season.
How their Bayern demolition proves Arsenal are the best side in Europe
Why Spurs will feel good despite shipping five goals in Paris
00:00 , Chris WilsonIn the space of four days, Tottenham have shown there really are different ways to lose a football match.
Four touches in the opposition penalty area in defeat to your greatest rivalis not the one. A young, vibrant side taking the game to the effervescent European champions Paris Saint-Germain is.
On paper, conceding five goals is hardly going to completely win over disgruntled masses still smarting from the tedium of Sunday’s North London derby disaster. Those who can see the wood for the trees, however, will afford Thomas Frank a little grace now, at least.
Why Spurs will feel good despite shipping five goals in Paris
No way out for crisis-ridden Liverpool as PSV run rampant in 4-1 Anfield humiliation
23:30 , Chris WilsonThe report from Liverpool’s surprise loss...
Arne Slot’s excellence against Dutch clubs propelled him to Liverpool. Now it is a sign of how everything seems to be going wrong for Slot that even that prowess appears to have deserted him. Peter Bosz was the Dutch master of Anfield as, scarcely believably, Liverpool suffered a ninth defeat in 12 games. They did not just lose. They were hammered.
PSV Eindhoven pipped Slot’s Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title two seasons ago, beat his Liverpool in what was, for the Merseyside club, a dead-rubber in January and now defeated them again in a rather more meaningful match and with rather greater consequences. Not merely because Liverpool now look unlikely to book a top-eight finish in the Champions League’s initial phase, either.
Twelfth in the Premier League, hit for four by PSV, this is crisis time for Slot and Liverpool. The sense that they were on the road to recovery, amplified by victory over Real Madrid, has given way to three losses, with 10 goals conceded in them. For the first time in Slot’s tenure, they were breached four times at Anfield.
No way out for crisis-ridden Liverpool as PSV run rampant in 4-1 Anfield humiliation
Next up
23:20 , Chris WilsonThe huge games keep coming for the Gunners, who face second-place Chelsea in the Premier League this weekend.
There’s just six points in it at the top but an Arsenal win would be a huge step towards the title you’d think.
That one kicks off at 4.30pm on Sunday, 30 November.
Could all six English clubs qualify for Champions League knockouts after latest wobble?
23:10 , Chris WilsonThe continent’s top teams are now past the halfway stage of the 2025/26 Champions League league phase, with each of the 36 clubs involved having played five of their eight matches ahead of the knockout rounds starting in February.
The competition has already seen some blockbuster matches as some of the continent’s top sides have faced off – with Chelsea securing a famous win over Barcelona and Arsenal dominating Bayern Munich – and the race for the automatic qualification places is beginning to heat up.
The teams who finish in the top eight in the table will qualify for the knockout rounds automatically, with those sides in ninth to 24th facing off in play-off ties in order to qualify for the knockout rounds proper. The competition for places is already close, with only four points separating sixth-placed Dortmund and Union SG in 25th.
Premier League clubs dominated the early matches in the league phase – with Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool and Newcastle United all previously occupying places in the top eight – and though the Blues continued that trend with the win over Barcelona, recent losses for City, Newcastle and Liverpool mean that some of the English clubs need to start picking up wins if they want to ensure automatic qualification.
So, with four matches left and each club facing drastically different schedules, could each Premier League side finish in the top eight automatic qualification places?
Could all six English clubs qualify for Champions League knockouts after wobbles?
Kane speaks to TNT
23:00 , Chris WilsonBayern Munich striker and England captain Harry Kane, speaking to TNT Sports: "It was a tough game which is kind of what we expected. It was a good battle in the first half which was fairly even.
"Second half we didn’t quite have the same energy or intensity and we lost too many duels. It's our first loss of the season. We don’t’ want to panic too much about it. But we will learn about it for sure.
"They won the first and second balls. Set pieces, we knew they would be dangerous. I'm sure we'll see them [Arsenal] again in the later stages of the Champions League.
"They defended man for man pretty much all over the pitch. As I said, I don’t think it’s time to panic. We have played Chelsea, and Paris St-Germain and Arsenal away. We have won the majority of our games,” he added.
Arteta reacts
22:50 , Chris WilsonArsenal boss Mikel Arteta had this to say to TNT Sports:
"Probably the overall performance and the way we dominated the game [pleased him most]. This game was going to require a different dimension, and individually we were exceptional.
"This will bring more confidence and trust to the players. We made changes. The players performed in an incredible way. I am so pleased, I thought we were excellent.
"It's very important to have them back and available [Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard]. The impact the players are showing is remarkable."
On whether it feels like it could be Arsenal's season in the Champions League: "I don't know. We're going to enjoy tonight and then start to prepare for the weekend. There is still so far to go."
More from Rice
22:34 , Chris WilsonHere’s the rest of what Rice said to TNT:
"It's been so easy to play with Martín Zubimendi. From the first moment we had with each other in pre-season, I just knew we'd play some good football. I really like him, he's such a nice guy,” he explained.
"He is Spain's No 6 and you know what Spain No 6's are like. He has been so, so good for us.
"Every game requires something different. Every player knows their role,” he added.
Rice: 'Let's not get carried away'
22:29 , Chris WilsonDeclan Rice was the next Gunners player to speak to TNT. Here’s what he had to say:
"Look at Bayern Munich this season, they have been the best team in Europe. This was probably the toughest game tactically we have played this season. The way they work it is so, so good.
"We went man to man with them in the second half and I thought tonight we were outstanding. The manager is so happy. It was a special European night.
"Yes, definitely [it feels different to last season]. There are so many leaders in the team. We are just taking it one game at a time. There is a hunger and desire to win every game. There is a long way to go - let's not get carried away,” he added.
How the table looks
22:22 , Chris WilsonThat win takes Arsenal three points clear at the top of the table, with the Gunners leading over PSG and Bayern with 15 points and one goal conceded!
Bayern move down into third, level on points with PSG, Inter and Real Madrid.
Madueke reacts
22:11 , Chris WilsonArsenal's Noni Madueke spoke to TNT Sports on the pitch. He had the following to say:
"I couldn't have picked a better game to score my first Arsenal goal. I am so happy the team got the win as well.
"It's an incredible statement, but we know the work we put in. We go into these game with every confidence that we are going to win.
"I am a confident player. I don't like someone telling me I cannot do something. But my team mates and and staff have belief in me,” he added.
FULL-TIME! Arsenal 3-1 Bayern Munich
22:03 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! Arsenal 3-1 Bayern Munich
21:56 , Chris WilsonThe referee blows the final whistle and the Gunners have a famous home win over a European rival!
It was a stellar performance from the hosts an they end the day as the firm favourites to win the Champions League (for now).
Arsenal 3-1 Bayern Munich
21:54 , Chris Wilson90 +3 mins
The Gunners are not resting on their laurels here, though Guerreiro does have half a chance as he blazes over from just inside the box.
Arsenal 3-1 Bayern Munich
21:51 , Chris Wilson90 +1 mins
Another Rice set-piece delivery reaches a target, with Calafiori heading at Neuer.
We’re into the first of four minutes of added time.
Arsenal 3-1 Bayern Munich
21:50 , Chris Wilson89 mins
Plenty of cheers around the Emirates as the hosts keep the ball well, almost taunting the visitors.
Arsenal 3-1 Bayern Munich
21:47 , Chris Wilson86 mins
Kim Min-Jae has also come on for Upamecano, and the defender’s first involvement is to run into nothing when he tries to launch an attack.
Arsenal are knocking it around confidently and easily maintaining their usual shape when Bayern do venture forward.
Arsenal 3-1 Bayern Munich
21:44 , Chris Wilson82 mins
The Gunners are still looking to add another this evening, and it’s total domination at this point.
Both sides make more subs as Guerreiro and Goretzka come on for Kimmich and Karl for Bayern, while Eze and Timber make way for the Gunners and Ben White and Martin Odegaard replace them.
GOAL! Arsenal 3-1 Bayern Munich
21:40 , Chris Wilson77 mins
GOAL! The hosts might have wrapped up the win here!
It all begins in their box, with martinelli winning the ball before shipping it to Merino. The Spaniard squares it to Eze, who is still in his own half but spots the onrushing run of Martinelli.
The England midfielder plays an inch-perfect ball to his teammate and Martinelli takes a touch with his knee to take it past Neuer, who is in no-man’s land.
The Brazilian simply has to tap into an empty net and he obliges to make it 3-1!
Arsenal 2-1 Bayern Munich
21:37 , Chris Wilson76 mins
It must be said that Arsenal have been totally dominant in this half, having limited Bayern to so little in attack.
Arsenal 2-1 Bayern Munich
21:35 , Chris Wilson73 mins
Subs for Bayern in response to that, with Laimer and Gnabry off for Tom Bischof and Nico Jackson.
Moments earlier, Gnabry had gone fairly close to connecting to a cross into the back post.
Elsewhere, Saliba goes into the book for the Gunners.
GOAL! Arsenal 2-1 Bayern Munich
21:32 , Chris Wilson70 mins
GOAL!
The hosts move ahead again! It’s another great team goal, with Eze slipping a ball into the path of the overlapping Calafiori on the left.
The Italian looks up and fizzes a first-time pass across the face of goal, into the corridor between Neuer and his defenders, and Madueke manages to bundle in a very difficult finish!
Arsenal 1-1 Bayern Munich
21:29 , Chris Wilson69 mins
Subs for Arsenal as Lewis-Skelly and Saka come off for Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Martinelli.
Another great performance from Saka, by the way.
Arsenal 1-1 Bayern Munich
21:27 , Chris Wilson67 mins
Lewis-Skelly was beaten too easily once again around his outside, this time by Olise, and Arsenal are lucky that the Frenchman was unable to make more of the chance.
Arsenal 1-1 Bayern Munich
21:25 , Chris Wilson63 mins
WHAT A CHANCE! Arsenal can’t believe they’re not ahead!
It all comes from a marauding run from Rice, who receives the one-two and gets past the defender with his first touch.
He drives into the box and opts to shoot low across Neuer, but the German saves it and Saka arrives too early to tap home the rebound!
Arsenal 1-1 Bayern Munich
21:21 , Chris Wilson60 mins
SAVE! What a save this is, not that he knew much about it.
Rice delivers another superb set-piece and timber flicks it on at the near post, with the ball bouncing into the path of Mosquera about three yards out, but he can only head right at Neuer with the ‘keeper doing well to make himself big.
Arsenal 1-1 Bayern Munich
21:20 , Chris Wilson59 mins
Dayot Upamecano is a very lucky man. He’s already on a booking as he catches Madueke in his own half, but he gets away with this one.
Kompany doesn’t get away with his protestations though, earning a yellow himself.
Arsenal 1-1 Bayern Munich
21:18 , Chris Wilson57 mins
CLOSE!
Arsenal fans wait expectantly as Rice waits to swing in a corner.
It’s another brilliant delivery and Merino arrives at the back post, but he sees it late and can’t get a clean header on it, with the ball glancing wide.
Arsenal 1-1 Bayern Munich
21:16 , Chris Wilson55 mins
CHANCE! A brilliant diagonal cross in from Saka finds Merino unmarked at the back post, but he can only power a header right at Neuer.
At the other end, Karl beats Lewis-Skelly a little too easily but he can only bend a shot straight at Raya.
Arsenal 1-1 Bayern Munich
21:13 , Chris Wilson51 mins
CLOSE!
A Saka corner is delivered to Merino and he heads down well but the ball is blocked by a teammate!
Moments later, the Spaniard fires high and wide from inside the box.
Arsenal 1-1 Bayern Munich
21:09 , Chris Wilson48 mins
And early sight of goal for Saka, who receives a bizarre pass from Kimmich near the edge of the area before blasting over.
Neuer got a touch on it though, so there’s a corner, but it comes to nothing.
KICK-OFF! Arsenal 1-1 Bayern Munich
21:06 , Chris WilsonBack underway at the Emirates!
HALF-TIME! Arsenal 1-1 Bayern Munich
21:02 , Chris WilsonWell, a fascinating opening to an intriguing clash at the Emirates.
Arsenal went ahead through a clever set-piece but they were left to rue a missed chance from Eze as Lennart Karl equalised to set up an interesting second half.
Both sides were pressing at times as the game opened up after the equaliser, and we can hope for more chances as the second half progresses.
We’ll be starting again soon in the capital.
HALF-TIME! Arsenal 1-1 Bayern Munich
20:56 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Arsenal 1-1 Bayern Munich
20:50 , Chris WilsonNo more chances to report as the referee blows the half-time whistle.
A cagey opening was blown apart by a great Timber header before the visitors scored an even better equaliser, and we enter the break all square in a fascinating Champions League clash.
An intriguing second half awaits in the capital!
Arsenal 1-1 Bayern Munich
20:47 , Chris Wilson45 +1 mins
Bayern have a chance as Olise works it to Kane in the area. The striker loses it but Mosquera’s clearance bounces off Saliba and almost presents a chance for Kane to tap in! Raya was alert to it though.
Arsenal 1-1 Bayern Munich
20:47 , Chris Wilson45 mins
Appeals for a penalty as Timber knocks in a lovely first-time cross from the diagonal pass and Madueke goes down under pressure from the defender, but it’s waved away.
We’ll have three minutes of added time at the Emirates.
Arsenal 1-1 Bayern Munich
20:44 , Chris Wilson43 mins
Second yellow of the day as Laimer brings down Saka, while Arteta is also booked for his protestations!
Arsenal 1-1 Bayern Munich
20:43 , Chris Wilson41 mins
Arsenal have managed to settle since the equaliser and they’re passing it around confidently, though it’s arguably been Bayern who have looked more like scoring since equalising.
Arsenal 1-1 Bayern Munich
20:41 , Chris Wilson38 mins
Moments after the goal, Arsenal are forced into a change as Trossard comes off for Noni Madueke.
Seconds later, Olise is very lucky to avoid a booking for a pull on Timber.
'Huge excitement about Karl'
20:38 , Miguel Delaney at the EmiratesHere’s the latest from Miguel Delaney at the Emirates:
“And out of nothing Bayern equalise! A brilliant team move, finished by a name to remember. There is huge excitement about Bayern 17-year-old Lennart Karl.”
GOAL! Arsenal 1-1 Bayern Munich
20:36 , Chris Wilson33 mins
GOAL! The visitors equalise out of nowhere.
It’s a superb team goal, with Kimmich picking out Gnabry with the diagonal ball from deep.
The German plays a brilliant first-time squared pass to Lennart Karl, who taps in with Raya sprawling!
Arsenal 1-0 Bayern Munich
20:33 , Chris Wilson31 mins
CLOSE! What a chance for the Gunners!
They’ll feel they should have two here.
They win the ball high and Eze brings it down before nutmegging the defender with his pass to Merino.
The Spaniard squares it back to him, avoiding the sliding defender, and Eze tries to find the diagonal pass to Saka at the far post, but he puts too much on it!
That would have been some goal.
Arsenal 1-0 Bayern Munich
20:31 , Chris Wilson29 mins
No shots and just seven touches for Harry Kane so far, illustrating how little the visitors have done to trouble the Gunners.
Arsenal 1-0 Bayern Munich
20:29 , Chris Wilson26 mins
Despite being the ones who conceded, Bayern haven’t pressed forward for an equaliser yet, and the Gunners are in control here after the halfway point in the first half.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Bayern Munich
20:24 , Chris Wilson23 mins
GOAL! The hosts are ahead and it’s another brilliant set-piece!
Rice delivers the corner and Jurrien Timber sneaks in ahead of Neuer, rising in front of the ‘keeper at the near post to head over him and into the corner!
A smart glancing header from the Dutchman.
Arsenal 0-0 Bayern Munich
20:23 , Chris Wilson21 mins
Smart running from Zubimendi wins a corner of Laimer.
Arsenal 0-0 Bayern Munich
20:22 , Chris Wilson20 mins
Bayern’s first shot isn’t a dangerous one, with Upamecano heading well wide at the back post.
Arsenal 0-0 Bayern Munich
20:20 , Chris Wilson19 mins
The visitors win their first free-kick in a dangerous position as Olise is dragged down, though the Gunners defence stands firm this time, with Rice heading clear.
Arsenal 0-0 Bayern Munich
20:18 , Chris Wilson17 mins
Neuer is quick off his line to prevent the though ball to Saka causing a problem. The Arsenal winger stays down with a nosebleed after the challenge, but he looks fine to carry on.
Arsenal 0-0 Bayern Munich
20:15 , Chris Wilson14 mins
The visitors certainly aren’t taking chances with leaving Saka unmarked, with two defenders and even Harry Kane tracking back to prevent the England winger getting through on this occasion.
It’s been a slow start at the Emirates – it sort of has the feel of a knockout tie early on!
Arsenal 0-0 Bayern Munich
20:13 , Chris Wilson12 mins
76 per cent possession for the visitors as we pass 11 minutes – that doesn’t happen at the Emirates often.
Bayern haven’t been able to do an awful lot with the ball in the Arsenal half though, with the hosts quickly settling in defence.
Arsenal 0-0 Bayern Munich
20:10 , Chris Wilson10 mins
It was offside in the end, but the first real test for Bayern.
The ball comes in to Trossard and the Gunners waste a couple of shooting chances before the flag goes up against the Belgian.
Moments later, Saliba has a go from distance but it’s never troubling Neuer.
Arsenal 0-0 Bayern Munich
20:08 , Chris Wilson7 mins
An Arsenal long throw is cleared by Upamecano, with the Frenchman providing an important intervention there.
Bayern are knocking it around confidently in their half, hoping to settle before Arsenal can steal a march.
Arsenal 0-0 Bayern Munich
20:06 , Chris Wilson5 mins
The first test of the Bayern defence here as they concede a free-kick on the wing. Rice will deliver.
It’s a great delivery too, with Saliba heading over, but he looked offside anyway.
Arsenal 0-0 Bayern Munich
20:05 , Miguel Delaney at the EmiratesHere’s an update from The Independent’s chief football writer, Miguel Delaney, who is in place at the Emirates:
“A great atmosphere - especially from the Bayern fans - but naturally has a different energy to Sunday.”
Arsenal 0-0 Bayern Munich
20:04 , Chris Wilson3 mins
A fairly uneventful and cagey opening, as you might expect. There’s some real anticipation at the Emirates though.
KICK-OFF! Arsenal 0-0 Bayern Munich
20:01 , Chris WilsonWe’re underway at the Emirates! What will tonight serve up between two of the most in-form sides on the continent?
Arsenal v Bayern Munich live
19:57 , Chris WilsonBoth teams are in the tunnel at the Emirates, so we should be underway after the anthem and usual pageantry!
Arsenal v Bayern Munich live
19:50 , Chris Wilson
Arsenal v Bayern Munich should feel momentous - here’s why it doesn’t
19:45 , Chris WilsonThe last time Arsenal met Bayern Munich in the Champions League, staff felt there was a “nervous energy” around the Gunners squad. That was back in the 2023-24 quarter-finals, which was the first time the club had even reached that stage in 14 years.
Mikel Arteta’s side weren’t quite ready for the level, and that pre-game feeling was borne out by a 3-2 aggregate defeat. It would take last season’s quarter-final victory over Real Madrid to make them really believe they were a Champions League team again.
Now they believe they can be even more, including Champions League winners. As Arsenal sit at the top of the competition’s group with four wins from four and a goal difference of plus 11, there is a fair argument that they are currently the best side in Europe.
Arsenal v Bayern Munich should feel momentous - here’s why it doesn’t
Match stats
19:40 , Chris WilsonAlong with being the joint-top scorers across the first four matchdays in the UEFA Champions League this season (14 – level with Paris SG), Bayern also hit the woodwork more than any other team in this period (7 times).
Harry Kane has scored 15 goals in 21 career appearances against Arsenal, including six goals in 10 games against them at the Emirates Stadium. Indeed, Kane has netted more goals as a visiting player at the Emirates than any other player (6).
Previous meetings: Quarter-finals, 2023/24
19:30 , Chris WilsonThe last meeting between these two giants came in the quarter-finals in 2023/24, when a resurgent Gunners side met a Bayern team that was struggling in the Bundesliga.
The German giants are always capable of hurting any side but this time it felt that Arteta’s men were the favourites as the Bavarian side arrived at the Emirates in April.
And the hosts started well in north London as Bukayo Saka curled in on 12 minutes, though Bayern countered with former Arsenal man Serge Gnabry levelling before the 20th minute.
Former Spurs captain Harry Kane gave the visitors the lead but Leandro Trossard ensured the match ended level ahead of the second leg in Munich.
And Bayern once again triumphed over the Gunners at the Allianz in the second leg, with a goal from Joshua Kimmich giving them a narrow win and a place in the semi-finals.
Match stats
19:20 , Chris WilsonArsenal have won each of their last eight UEFA Champions League group/league phase games by a combined 24-2 scoreline – it’s already their longest such run in competition history.
Since a 3-0 loss to PSG in September 2017, Bayern Munich have lost just three of their 52 UEFA Champions League group stage equivalent games (W45 D4), though all three defeats in that time have come away from home.
Previous meetings: Round of 16, 2016/17
19:10 , Chris WilsonThe dreaded ‘10-2’.
This tie has gone down as one of the most infamous in Arsenal history, with Bayern winning both legs 5-1 in a total humiliation of the Gunners.
A struggling Arsenal side travelled to Bavaria but they were level after 30 minutes as a goal from Alexis Sanchez cancelled out Arjen Robben’s opener, though the Gunners collapsed and conceded three goals in 10 minutes as a brace fro Thiago Alcantara gave Bayern a 4-1 lead, before Thomas Muller added a fifth late on.
The return leg offered some brief hope as Theo Walcott opened the scoring on 20 minutes, though a red card for Laurent Koscielny effectively ended the tie and Bayern scored five goals with no reply to seal a 10-2 aggregate win.
Team news
19:00 , Chris WilsonBayern boss Vincent Kompany makes three changes to the team that beat Freiburg 6-2 on Saturday. In defence, Tom Bischof makes way for Konrad Laimer at full-back, while Leon Goretzka drops out of midfield in place of Joshua Kimmich.
In attack, Harry Kane leads the line but the injured Luis Diaz drops out for Serge Gnabry, who takes a place on the wing alongside 17-year-ols sensation Lennart Karl.
Team news
18:55 , Chris WilsonMikel Arteta has made just two changes to the side that thrashed Tottenham last time out, with both coming in defence. Piero Hincapie is replaced by Cristhian Mosquera at centre-back, while Myles Lewis-Skelly comes in for Riccardo Calafiori at left-back.
The midfield trio of Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice and derby hero Ebere Eze continues, while Mikel Merino leads the line once again.
Line-ups
18:49 , Chris WilsonBayern Munich XI: Neuer; Laimer, Upamecano, Tah, Stanisic; Kimmich, Pavlovic; Olise, Karl, Gnabry; Kane.
Subs: Ulreich, Urbig, Min-Jae, Goretzka, Jackson, Bischof, Ito, Boey, Guerreiro, Mike.
𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗫𝗜 𝓿𝓼. 𝗔𝗥𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗔𝗟 🔥 pic.twitter.com/jQJ4av646t
— FC Bayern München (@FCBayern) November 26, 2025
Line-ups
18:47 , Chris WilsonArsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Mosquera, Lewis-Skelly; Eze, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Merino, Trossard.
Subs: Kepa, Setford, White, Hincapie, Odefaard, Martinelli, Norgaard, Madueke, Nwaneri, Calafiori.
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 26, 2025
💫 Lewis-Skelly in at left-back
🤝 Mosquera partners Saliba
🪄 Trossard on the wing
Let's give it everything, Gunners ✊
Team news
18:40 , Chris WilsonWith the line-ups being released in the next five minutes, here’s a reminder of the early team news...
Arsenal are unlikely to welcome back Martin Odegaard and Viktor Gyokeres in time for the visit of Bayern but Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke, who returned to the bench on Sunday, could play enhanced roles. Centre-back Gabriel and striker namesake Gabriel Jesus are definite absentees.
Bayern will have to make do without Luis Diaz, who was handed a three-match ban after being sent off against PSG last time out. Ex-Arsenal academy product Serge Gnabry could make a return to the Emirates to replace the Colombian, should he recover from a knee issue in time.
Match stats
18:30 , Chris WilsonArsenal have faced Bayern Munich 14 times before in the UEFA Champions League, the most times they’ve ever faced a side in the competition. The Gunners are winless across their last five meetings since a 2-0 win in October 2015 (D1 L4), with three of their four defeats in that time coming via 5-1 scorelines.
This will be the fifth time that Bayern Munich have faced Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League group/league phase, facing them during both the 2000-01 (2nd group stage) and 2015-16 campaigns. The German side have lost just one of those matches, a 2-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium in October 2015 due to goals from Olivier Giroud and Mesut Ozil.
Previous meetings: Round of 16, 2004/05
18:15 , Chris WilsonMeetings between these two teams were few and far between before the early 2000s, and the 2004/05 season brough the third and fourth meetings of the decade, and the first in the knockout rounds.
An Arsenal side including Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and co. took on a Bavarian XI including Oliver Kahn, Owen Hargreaves and Claudio Pizarro but they fell to a 3-1 loss away after a disappointing performance, and a lone goal from Henry at Highbury wasn’t enough to bring the Gunners level to win on away goals, with the Germans taking the spot in the next round.
Head-to-head
18:05 , Chris WilsonThese two sides have met 14 times in this competition in the past, but it’s Bayern who have the better of the rivalry, winning eight games and losing three (with the other three ending as draws).
Most recently, they met in the quarter-finals in 2023/24, with Bayern winning 1-0 at home after a 2-2 draw at the Emirates to book a place in the semis.
The end of Arsenal’s wait – and maybe a Premier League era?
17:55 , Chris WilsonThe article below is an excerpt from the free Monday edition of the Miguel Delaney: Inside Football newsletter. To get my latest analysis, reporting and insights delivered straight to your inbox, sign up by entering your email address in the box above.
Members of Inside Football get an extra bonus edition every Friday. Become a member here.
Before the jubilant Arsenal team returned to the dressing room on Sunday evening, some of their injured absentees made a point of going in just beforehand. That was because they wanted to applaud their teammates in, over what everyone thought was a near-perfect display. This is now the level, that they want to further raise.
There was even some sympathy for Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank. Some staff were watching his post-game interviews after the 4-1 defeat, where the Dane repeatedly spoke about how his side too easily lost “duels”. The belief within the Arsenal camp – echoed by some close to Spurs – was that he couldn’t say what he actually thought, for fear of the tribal backlash. That was that Arsenal were basically too good. Spurs couldn’t get close to them.
Inside Eberechi Eze and Mikel Arteta’s plan that allowed Arsenal to finally click
17:45 , Chris WilsonMore from Miguel Delaney regarding Arsenal’s win over Spurs and star man Ebere Eze...
In the week before Eberechi Eze took charge of the north London derby, and electrified the fixture, he was actually supposed to be taking it a bit easier. The 27-year-old had been given two days off after international duty with England, but insisted on getting back to Arsenal’s London Colney training ground after just one. “He wants to learn,” Mikel Artetabeamed.
The Arsenal staff have been hugely excited about Eze’s evolution, but the description from the training ground over the past few months has been that he’s been a bit “tight” in his play. In other words, he hasn’t yet felt fully relaxed in his role.
That perhaps isn’t surprising since Arteta’s tactical instructions are known to be complex, involving a lot of messages, and Eze did not have a pre-season with the club. That’s a lot to register. Declan Rice similarly struggled in 2023, with staff believing he only went to another level after Christmas, when he had fully internalised his tactical demands. By contrast, one of many reasons that Arteta adores Jurrien Timber is that he got it all straight away. Max Dowman is said to be the same, but it’s understandably rare.
Inside Eberechi Eze and Mikel Arteta’s plan that allowed Arsenal to finally click
How Eberechi Eze made a mockery of Tottenham and changed Arsenal’s Premier League fate
17:30 , Chris WilsonHere’s the report from a raucous Emirates from last week...
The stuff of club history, and maybe future champions. If it’s still far too early to say this will be seen as the day when Mikel Arteta’s side won the 2025-26 title, it is undeniably the afternoon that Eberechi Eze launched himself as an Arsenal player. Scoring a hat-trick in a north London derby will do that, especially when it was just the fourth in the history of the fixture and the first since 1978. There was of course the added edge that he was so close to signing for Tottenham Hotspur in the summer.
They could barely get near him in this 4-1 defeat. Even some within the club were rolling their eyes that this is the essence of Tottenham, but it’s bigger than that. Eze took charge, and took off. The supreme third goal was some way to crown it all.
How Eze made a mockery of Tottenham and changed Arsenal’s Premier League fate
Arsenal set for quadruple injury boost as Gunners stars near returns
17:20 , Chris WilsonArsenal manager Mikel Arteta has offered an update on four of the Gunners’ injured players ahead of the Champions League clash against Bayern Munich.
The Spaniard provided updates on the status of summer signing Viktor Gyokeres, strikers Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus and Gunners captain Martin Odegaard, with all four players nearing returns for the Premier League leaders.
Arteta explained that Odegaard is the only one in contention to feature against Bayern, with the Norwegian last featuring in the win over West Ham in early October, but confirmed that Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli are now in contention to start.
Arsenal set for quadruple injury boost as Gunners stars near returns
Predicted line-ups
17:10 , Chris WilsonArsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Hincapie, Calafiori; Eze, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Merino, Trossard.
Bayern Munich XI: Neuer; Laimer, Upamecano, Tah, Stanisic; Kimmich, Pavlovic; Olise, Karl, Gnabry, Kane.
What is the Bayern Munich team news?
17:03 , Jamie BraidwoodBayern will have to make do without Luis Diaz, who was handed a three-match ban after being sent off against PSG last time out. Ex-Arsenal academy product Serge Gnabry could make a return to the Emirates to replace the Colombian, should he recover from a knee issue in time.
What is the Arsenal team news?
17:02 , Jamie BraidwoodArsenal are unlikely to welcome back Martin Odegaard and Viktor Gyokeres in time for the visit of Bayern but Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke, who returned to the bench on Sunday, could play enhanced roles. Centre-back Gabriel and striker namesake Gabriel Jesus are definite absentees.
Kick-off time and how to watch Arsenal v Bayern Munich
17:01 , Jamie BraidwoodWhen is Arsenal vs Bayern Munich?
Arsenal’s clash with Bayern Munich kicks off at 8pm GMT on Tuesday 25 November at the Emirates Stadium in London.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the game live on TNT Sports 1 or TNT Sports Ultimate, with live coverage starting from 7pm. Subscribers can also stream the game on discovery+.
Good evening
17:00 , Jamie BraidwoodEurope’s two most in-form teams lock horns in the Champions League tonight as Arsenal play host to Bayern Munich.
The Gunners, fresh off their demolition of north London rivals Tottenham, are seven points clear at the top of the Premier League and have emerged as the clear favourites to lift the title this season, which would put an end to their painful run of second-place finishes.
Bayern, meanwhile, are back dominating the Bundesliga and have won every game bar one in all competitions, only dropping points away at Union Berlin ahead of the November international break.
Both Arsenal and Bayern have won all four of their league phase games so far this term, though that will be sure to change come the end of the blockbuster clash at the Emirates.
