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Arsenal required a impressive display and favorable result against a European powerhouse, but Renée Slegers’s side surrendered their two-goal lead and all three points to Bayern Munich with little resistance, casting their European campaign into tricky waters.

Different Outcomes from Previous Campaign

Last season, a inspiring fightback from a goal behind to a narrow win over Bayern in their final group game made up for their opening 5-2 loss to the Bavarian side and ignited their phenomenal run to the final. It represented a turning point in their season, showing a mental toughness that propelled them to a European triumph. Their breakdown here demonstrated they are still searching for the spirit that led to victory in May.

Travelling Supporters in Munich

More than 400 Arsenal fans had traveled to Munich, many gathering at the Hofbräuhaus before the game for their traditional gathering. They were shoved into a section of the middle tier at the Allianz Arena, but still created an atmosphere, competing with the vocal local supporters of over 15,000 that made their presence felt in the lower tier.

Building on Recent Form

Daphne van Domselaar had stated her team had "given their all" in their hard-fought tie with Chelsea on Saturday. They were "devastated" by the result against the WSL champions, with questionable refereeing decisions bearing the brunt of those frustrations.

The goal, though, was to take the energy of that strong performance after halftime to Germany with them. Arsenal had begun poorly against Chelsea. In Munich they executed their strategy and there was no repeat of that slow start.

Fast Beginning for Visitors

They started aggressively. The England forward was particularly energetic and caused problems for the Bayern defender Franziska Kett and the central player Japanese international on the right as Arsenal's intense pressure proved effective.

It was the forward's attempt that gave Arsenal the advantage in the early stages, the striker's effort unusually parried by the Bayern goalkeeper, Maria Luisa Grohs. The midfielder was there to head it back over the keeper and in.

Extending the Advantage

Arsenal's second goal arrived midway through the half. Bayern's insistence on building from defense had been risky and was exploited. The winger intercepted Stine Ballisager's stray pass and passed to Stina Blackstenius, who directed it towards the Spanish midfielder on the penalty area. The talented playmaker took a touch to alleviate pressure from Tanikawa before driving past Grohs.

Second Half Turnaround

The intensity lessened a little in the final period. The Bayern coach made substitutions to try to get his team back into the game: the former Chelsea forward Danish international, whose three goals in October 2024 turned the match from 2-2 to 5-2, entered and Arianna Caruso and Alara Sehitler arrived soon after. The final substitute would make Arsenal sweat first, flying away on the break and collecting from Klara Bühl before guiding the ball past Van Domselaar.

Complete Turnaround

It was Bayern in the driving seat after the gap narrowed, the home team believing they could get a result from the game. Harder delivered, clipping a cross in from the penalty box to level. They did not just want to take something, though: they wanted everything, and six minutes later they had the lead, Glodis Viggosdottir turning in at the near post from Bühl's cross. This time it was a poor finish that disappointed Arsenal and, with one win from three Champions League games, they have a major challenge ahead.