Arsenal challenges Bayern Munich in Champions League as VAR decides

At the Allianz Arena, Bayern Munich hosted Arsenal in matchday three of the Champions League group. The English side took the lead 1‑0 thanks to a goal from Eze, assisted by Ødegaard, after the VAR review confirmed the score.

Early chances and fouls

In the thirty‑third minute, Bischof played the ball to Saibari, who aimed for the right corner with a powerful shot from outside the area. Three minutes later, K. Laimer committed a foul on Eze in the attacking zone, and the referee signaled the infringement, awarding the ball to Arsenal.

Eze's goal and VAR review

From the corner, Ødegaard assisted Guimarães, who struck with power from the box, but the ball went wide. Arsenal earned another corner on the right flank after Guimarães' shot, and Ødegaard took a short throw‑in.

After the VAR review, Eze's goal was validated, settling the controversial play in Arsenal's favour. In the twenty‑five minute, Ødegaard orchestrated the move and Eze scored, putting the scoreboard at 0‑1.

Tactical context and match data

In the same period, Upamecano fouled Havertz, and the referee awarded the foul to Arsenal. Laimer committed another foul, this time on Guimarães, and the official indicated the infringement. Additionally, Havertz provoked the booking of an Arsenal player, while Kim and Pavlović also committed fouls on Arsenal players.

At the ten‑minute mark, Arsenal made a significant change: Eze came on for Saka, who left the field due to an injury.

With the confirmed lineup, Arsenal deployed a 4‑3‑3 where Saka and Ødegaard were key creators, while Bayern fielded Kane as the central focal point, supported by a dynamic midfield and wide players capable of overlapping.

Arsenal arrive without Tzolis, Hincapié and Saliba, but on an unbeaten run of seventeen games and having scored in their last five matches. Bayern, without Kimmich, Olise and Musiala, have kept a clean sheet in their last three games and have scored in sixteen consecutive matches. The market value of their squads exceeds €1.3 billion for Arsenal and €855.5 million for Bayern. In their last meeting, Arsenal won 3‑1, and the overall head‑to‑head record totals two victories for each side and two draws.