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Arsenal needed a impressive display and positive outcome against a continental giant, but Renée Slegers’s side relinquished their 2-0 advantage and all three points to Bayern Munich with little resistance, plunging their European campaign into tricky waters.

Contrasting Outcomes from Last Season

In the previous campaign, a inspiring fightback from 2-1 down to a 3-2 victory over Bayern in their final group game avenged their heavy defeat to the German opponents and ignited their phenomenal run to the final. It represented a pivotal moment in their season, showing a mental toughness that propelled them to a second Champions League title. Their collapse here showed they are still searching for the spirit that led to victory in May.

Travelling Supporters in Munich

More than 400 Arsenal fans had made the trip to Munich, many gathering at the city's famous beer hall before the game for their traditional gathering. They were shoved into a section of the upper level at the Allianz Arena, but still made their voices heard, competing with the impressive home crowd of over 15,000 that made their presence felt in the stands below.

Learning from 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 controversial officiating receiving much criticism of those disappointments.

The aim, though, was to take the energy of that impressive second-half display to Germany with them. Arsenal had begun poorly against Chelsea. In Munich they executed their strategy and there was no repetition of that sluggish beginning.

Fast Beginning for Arsenal

They opened on the front foot. Beth Mead was especially lively and caused problems for the Bayern defender Franziska Kett and the central player Japanese international on the right as Arsenal's intense pressure reaped its rewards.

It was the forward's attempt that gave Arsenal the advantage in the early stages, the England forward's shot unusually parried by the Bayern goalkeeper, the German shot-stopper. The midfielder was there to head it back over the goalkeeper and in.

Extending the Lead

Arsenal's second goal arrived midway through the half. Bayern's determination to play out from the back had been risky and was exploited. The winger intercepted the defender's wayward ball and passed to Stina Blackstenius, who directed it towards Mariona Caldentey on the edge of the box. The talented playmaker took a touch to alleviate pressure from Tanikawa before driving past Grohs.

Second Half Collapse

The energy dropped a little in the final period. José Barcala made substitutions to try to bring his side into the game: the former Chelsea forward Pernille Harder, 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 last of these would make Arsenal sweat first, flying away on the break and receiving from Klara Bühl before guiding the ball past Van Domselaar.

Complete Turnaround

It was Bayern in the ascendancy after the gap narrowed, the home team believing they could get a result from the game. The substitute produced, floating a cross in from the edge of the area to level. They did not just want to take something, though: they wanted it all, and six minutes later they had the lead, Glodis Viggosdottir turning in at the near post from the winger's delivery. This time it was a poor finish that let down Arsenal and, with one win from their European matches, they have a major challenge ahead.