Arsenal produced a dominant second half to beat Bayern 3–1 at the Emirates, with Madueke and Martinelli scoring late to extend their perfect Champions League record.
Arsenal beat Bayern Munich 3–1 at the Emirates Stadium after a dominant second half that showcased their growing confidence in Europe. Mikel Arteta’s side were sharp from the start and pressed aggressively. Bayern struggled to control the game, especially after the break. The win keeps Arsenal’s perfect Champions League run alive.
The hosts went ahead in the 22nd minute through Jurrien Timber. He met Bukayo Saka’s corner with a precise header, giving Arsenal an early lift. It was another reminder of Arsenal’s set-piece strength this season. Bayern responded in the 32nd minute when Lennart Karl finished a slick move created by Serge Gnabry.
The second half belonged almost entirely to Arsenal. They pushed Bayern back with wave after wave of pressure. Declan Rice and Mikel Merino kept the midfield steady while Saka and Eberechi Eze drove the tempo in attack. Bayern could not find a rhythm and created few chances of note.
Arsenal’s second goal arrived in the 69th minute. Substitute Riccardo Calafiori fired a low cross into the box and Noni Madueke reacted quickest, steering in from close range. It was his first goal for the club, and the moment that shifted full control to Arsenal.
Their third came in the 77th minute. Eze clipped a clever ball over the top, and Gabriel Martinelli sprinted clear. Manuel Neuer rushed out but misjudged the bounce, allowing Martinelli to go around him and roll the ball into an empty net. The finish sealed Bayern’s first defeat of the season.
Arsenal’s energy after half time changed the match completely. The home side won almost every second ball and forced Bayern into repeated mistakes. Rice dominated midfield and was central to the momentum swing. Saka was dangerous throughout with direct runs and consistent delivery.
Madueke and Martinelli made a huge impact off the bench. Their goals showed Arsenal’s depth and allowed Arteta to control the closing stages comfortably. Bayern’s best spell came late in the first half, but they struggled for clear chances after the break.
Seventeen-year-old Karl was Bayern’s brightest spark. He took his goal well and showed good movement, but he often found himself isolated. Harry Kane and Michael Olise were quiet, unable to connect with Bayern’s midfield or stretch Arsenal’s defence.
Arsenal move on to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. They enter the match with strong momentum and a six-point Premier League lead. Arteta will monitor Leandro Trossard, who was forced off in the first half with discomfort. Bayern return to domestic action this weekend looking to regroup after their first loss of the campaign.
