Tough test: Baumgartner forces Bayern vs Arsenal before Madrid comeback
The lights of the Allianz Arena glow as fans gather in Munich for Wednesday evening’s match; at 9 p.m. Sky broadcasts the duel between record champions Bayern and Arsenal, a true test of steel that could decide a possible comeback for Baumgartner in Madrid.
Last Bundesliga Performance
After two disappointing draws against Augsburg (2–2) and Viking Stavanger (3–3), Bayern showed impressive resistance in the Bundesliga. In Leipzig the Munich side triumphed with a clear 6–1 victory, putting the team back on course.
Luis Diaz scored three times, while Harry Kane added another goal. For the Englishman it was also his 100th Bundesliga appearance, in which he netted his 102nd goal and thus surpassed Timo Konietzka’s record of 72 strikes.
Michael Olise, the €180‑million man, missed the Arsenal match after receiving a red card in Stavanger. German record international Lothar Matthäus called the absence bitter and emphasized: “These are the difference‑makers. And they bring not only money back onto the pitch.”
Harry Kane has already extended his contract and urges the club to bind the Frenchman long‑term. The English striker sees Olise as a key player for success against the London side.
Gattuso’s pull sees Demme leave Leipzig for Napoli in winter
Personnel Questions Ahead of Arsenal
Coach Vincent Kompany criticised Olise’s behaviour after the dismissal and said: “It is one hundred percent his fault, and he knows that too.” Without Olise Bayern are examining options such as Serge Gnabry, Karl, Saibari or Brown.
Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, 40, remains uncertain due to a foot complaint; sporting director Max Eberl reported fluid in the foot. Although Neuer took part in the final training on Tuesday, his involvement against Arsenal remains open, with Jonas Urbig available as a replacement.
Kompany was health‑impacted against Leipzig and largely left the coaching to his co‑coach Aaron Danks, who said: “Vincent has to rest. It’s not that easy to get him to settle down.” Additionally Joshua Kimmich was absent for personal reasons.
Arsenal's Champions‑League Form and Bayern's History
Arsenal comes with two wins from the opening Champions‑League matches against Napoli (1–0) and Lille (3–0) and has so far kept a clean sheet. Coach Mikel Arteta relies on patient build‑up play, quick attacks through Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze and dangerous set‑pieces, but will likely have to do without William Saliba and Piero Hincapié.
Urbig's late save shields Bayern as health worries loom over Kompany
Bayern can rely on a strong home record: since December 2013 the club has been unbeaten at home in the Champions‑League group and league phases. Matthäus sees the Munich side on equal footing with Europe’s best teams and calls them a “big favourite” for the Champions‑League title.
At the same time Leipzig must travel to Real Madrid after the 1–6 defeat to Bayern; coach Martin Demichelis criticised the performance: “You can lose here in the Allianz Arena, we know that, everyone knows that. But not like this!” Sports director Marcel Schäfer called the match a complete failure. Real Madrid go into the game with a 4–1 victory over Sevilla, with Vinicius Junior, despite a LaLiga suspension, expected to start. Christoph Baumgartner completed the final training fully and could be called upon for the first time this season after his injury.