Champions League Quarterfinal: Bayern – Arsenal

Going into the tie for the first time in a long time in clashes between these 2 sides was Arsenl considered the slight favourite over Bayern. Based on their respective form in the domestic league it seemed obvious to put Arsenal in as favourite to progress through to the semi finals. However, the first game showed how much quality Bayern stll have and how much of a threat they still are despite their loss of form and might in the Bundesliga. The tie is still wide open and it will be very interesting to see how both managers will set their side up for the clash. 

Bayern Team News

Tomas Tuchel will have some trouble putting in the line up for tonight´s deciding clash with Arsenal. Bayern miss a multitude of important players due to injury and suspension. Sacha Boey and Buchmann already missed last week´s contest through injury. But now Coman and Gnabry are also set to miss the game after picking up injuries over the last few games. On top of that, Alphonso Davies is suspended following his yellow card in last week´s match. It will be interesting to see what line up Tomas Tuchel comes up with. 

Arsenal Team News

Arsenal like last week have a nearly fully available squad. Only Jurjen Timber is still unavailable to Arteta. The multifunctional Dutch defender is on his way back though, participating with group training already. However, these matches are still too early for him after having been out for virtually the entirety of the season. Arteta´s side will be poised to bounce back after the disapointing result last sunday against Aston Villa. 

Bayern Form

Bayern managed their first victory in 4 games last weekend beating Koln 2-0 comfortably at home. However, their performance in the first game at the Emirates stadium will certainly give them confidence to go through to the semi final. Arsenal, despite being favourites beforehand had loads of difficulties with Bayern and only managed to scrape a draw in the end. Bayern at home are a different beast normally and will make life very difficult for Arsenal. 

Arsenal Form

Arsenal saw their first league defeat of 2024 manifest last Sunday against Aston Villa at home. After a strong first half where they outplayed Aston Villa in large parts they didn´t manage to put the difference on the scoreboard. They paid the price for that in the 2nd half with Aston Villa putting in an impressive display to seal a 2-0 victory. The defeat will be a huge mental blow to Arteta´s side and it will be key to tonight´s performance to get a good reaction from that. Otherwise, Arsenal might just throw away their season in a matter of a week. 

What do the stats say?

• Bayern have scored the most goals of all teams in the top 5 competitions
• Arsenal have won 1 out of their 4 away games in this year’s Champions League
• Bayern won 3 out of 4 home games in this year´s Champions League, drawing 0-0 with Copenhagen in November. 

Our verdict

Before the first leg, many will have had Arsenal go through to the next round due to their impressive form in the Premier League and Bayern´s woes. However, Bayern are actually in pole position at the moment with the home advantage and a good result in the first game. Arsenal will hope however that they can continue their splendid away form domestically to the Champions League.