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Arsenal needed a impressive display and favorable result against a European powerhouse, but the team relinquished their two-goal lead and all three points to Bayern Munich far too easily, casting their European campaign into tricky waters.

Contrasting Fortunes from Previous Campaign

Last season, a battling comeback from a goal behind to a 3-2 victory over Bayern in their last group stage match made up for their heavy defeat to the Bavarian side and ignited their remarkable journey to the final. It represented a pivotal moment in their season, showing a resilience that carried them to a European triumph. Their breakdown here demonstrated they are still searching for the fighting spirit that ensured success 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 pre-match meet-up. They were shoved into a section of the middle tier at the Allianz Arena, but still made their voices heard, battling against the impressive home crowd of over 15,000 that made their presence felt in the stands below.

Building on Previous Performance

Daphne van Domselaar had stated her team had "given their all" in their 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Saturday. They were "deeply disappointed" by the outcome against the league leaders, with controversial officiating bearing the brunt of those frustrations.

The goal, though, was to channel the momentum of that strong performance after halftime to Germany with them. Arsenal had begun poorly against Chelsea. In Munich they stuck to the plan and there was no repetition of that sluggish beginning.

Strong Start for Arsenal

They opened on the front foot. Beth Mead was particularly energetic and caused problems for the Bayern defender Franziska Kett and the midfielder Japanese international on the right as Arsenal's high and aggressive pressing reaped its rewards.

It was Mead's effort that gave Arsenal the advantage in the fifth minute, the striker's effort strangely pushed away by the Bayern goalkeeper, Maria Luisa Grohs. The midfielder was there to nod the ball back over the keeper and in.

Extending the Advantage

Arsenal's next score arrived midway through the half. Bayern's insistence on building from defense had been dangerous and was exploited. Mead intercepted the defender's wayward ball and passed to the Swedish striker, who poked it towards Mariona Caldentey on the edge of the box. The mercurial midfielder took a touch to create space from the defender before driving past the goalkeeper.

Second Half Collapse

The intensity dropped a little in the final period. José Barcala turned to his bench to try to bring his side into the game: the former Chelsea forward Danish international, whose hat-trick in October 2024 turned the match from 2-2 to 5-2, entered and Italian midfielder and Turkish talent followed shortly. The last of these would cause problems first, sprinting forward and collecting from Klara Bühl before directing the ball past the Arsenal keeper.

Complete Comeback

It was Bayern in the driving seat after the gap narrowed, the hosts believing they could get a result from the game. The substitute produced, floating a cross in from the edge of the area to equalize. They did not just want to draw, though: they wanted it all, and shortly after they had the advantage, Glodis Viggosdottir turning in at the front post from Bühl's cross. This time it was a poor finish that disappointed Arsenal and, with a single victory from three Champions League games, they have a big job ahead.