Arsenal extended their perfect Champions League campaign with a composed 3-1 victory over Bayern Munich, highlighted by Noni Madueke’s first strike for the club. Mikel Arteta’s players controlled the early stages and claimed the advantage midway through the first half when Jurrien Timber met Bukayo Saka’s corner with a firm header. It became their tenth goal from a corner this season, more than any side in Europe’s major competitions.
Arsenal extended their perfect Champions League campaign with a composed 3-1 victory over Bayern Munich, highlighted by Noni Madueke’s first strike for the club. Mikel Arteta’s players controlled the early stages and claimed the advantage midway through the first half when Jurrien Timber met Bukayo Saka’s corner with a firm header. It became their tenth goal from a corner this season, more than any side in Europe’s major competitions.
Bayern responded with a spell of pressure and leveled the score after Joshua Kimmich delivered a sweeping ball to Serge Gnabry. The winger then located young Lennart Karl, who converted from close range to claim his first Champions League goal. It was the first time Arsenal had been breached in the tournament this season.
Despite that setback, the hosts re-established control and regained the lead when Riccardo Calafiori’s forceful delivery reached Madueke, who nudged the ball beyond Manuel Neuer. The winger’s introduction provided the spark Arsenal needed in the second half.
The evening was sealed when Eberechi Eze produced a deft lofted pass for Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazilian slipped around Neuer, who had rushed out unsuccessfully, and guided the ball into the open net to give Bayern their first defeat of the campaign.
Arsenal entered a demanding week that featured meetings with Tottenham, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea, but they navigated the first two tests with authority. After scoring four times in the north London derby, they delivered another convincing performance against Germany’s top-ranked side from the league phase.
Arteta made minimal alterations to the team that defeated Spurs, bringing in Cristhian Mosquera and Myles Lewis-Skelly to strengthen the defense. The capacity of the group to absorb injuries while maintaining high performance has been a central theme of their season.
Key attacking figures have missed significant stretches, yet Arsenal have compensated through the depth of their squad. The return of Martin Ødegaard, Martinelli, and Madueke has further improved their options as the campaign intensifies.
Both Martinelli and Madueke came from the bench to score, underlining Arteta’s approach of relying on “finishers” to influence games late on. With only one defeat in all competitions and leadership positions in both domestic and European standings, Arsenal continues to look imposing.
Bayern arrived in London unbeaten, but aside from a short spell following their equalizer, they rarely looked capable of unsettling Arsenal. Harry Kane endured a frustrating night, unable to link play effectively or threaten in advanced areas.
Michael Olise, impressive throughout the season with strong attacking numbers, also found it difficult to assert himself. He managed to trouble Lewis-Skelly on several occasions, but his influence was limited over the course of the contest.
Kompany’s side also found it difficult to cope with Arsenal’s set-piece threat, an area that once again delivered a crucial breakthrough for the Premier League leaders. Bayern’s defensive organization faltered repeatedly under pressure.
The away team’s brightest moment came from 17-year-old Karl, who continued his encouraging emergence with a calm finish on just his second Champions League start. His movement and composure were standout elements in an otherwise challenging night.
