Arsenal vs Bayern Munich Match Report as the First Leg Ends in Dramatic Draw!

Arsenal vs Bayern Munich kicked-off on Tuesday as an ailing Bayern Munich visited one of the most formidable sides in Europe. However, despite arriving in London in terrible form, the German club played their hearts out and held Arsenal to a draw. Goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard kept Arsenal afloat while a perfect Harry Kane penalty and a goal on the counter attack by Serge Gnabry helped Bayern take the game into the second leg of the tie at par. On that note, let’s take a look at the Arsenal vs Bayern Munich match report.

Arsenal vs Bayern Munich: 

The Gunners entered the tie with composure and were soon knocking at Bayern’s door. Arsenal’s constant threat eventually reaped reward as a pass by Ben White from the cusp of Bayern’s box found Bukayo Saka in minimal space in the box. The Englishman deftly turned away from the challenge of Leon Goretzka  and placed the ball with perfection into the left bottom corner of Manuel Neuer’s goal. The succinct finish saw the Gunners take a 1-0 lead in the 12th minute of the first leg of Arsenal vs Bayern Munich.

Arsenal continued to lay siege in Bayern’s half however a grave mistake by Arsenal revived the ailing Germans. A long ball played by Bayern found its way to Gabriel but he was intensely pressed by Kane. Kane’s press made the Brazilian defender turn and play a sheepish pass which found its way to Bayern. Bayern quickly charged into a counter attack where a fantastic through ball by Goretzka found its way to Serge Gnabry who put the ball in the back of Raya’s net in minute 18 to equalize for Bayern against his former club. 

Encouraged by the goal, the German club  continued to play on the counter attack and the tactic earned them their reward as Bayern found themselves in a commanding position yet again. As possession changed hands, Bayern pushed forward through a brilliant Leroy Sane run into the box. The German winger avoided numerous challenges and was almost about to take a shot when defender William Saliba brought him down and gave Bayern a penalty. The penalty then was turned in with perfection by Harry Kane to make the score 2-1 for Bayern in the 30th minute and saw the visitors go into the tunnel with a lead at halftime. 

The second half was much more open as both sides ditched conservative football in the hunt of goals. Several chances were created by either side, but none were converted. However, it was finally Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal who scored via a beautiful phase of play to make it 2-2. The goal came after some brilliant passing and beautiful close control by Gabriel Jesus in the box who waited till the right moment to square the ball to an arriving Leandro Trossard who finished his opportunity with perfection to equalize the Arsenal vs Bayern Munich game for the hosts. 

As the Arsenal vs Bayern Munich tie entered its final moments, a nervy Arsenal conceded few chances but were lucky to escape without being punished. While there was a potential penalty shout by the Gunners in the last minute of injury time, the game eventually ended in an enthralling draw at the Emirates stadium. Both the clubs will now eagerly look forward to the second leg tie at Allianz Arena next week. 

Also Read: Arsenal vs Bayern Munich Player Ratings as a late Leandro Trossard goal secures draw for Arsenal!