© FC Bayern
FC Bayern host Arsenal at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday 21 October for Matchday 3 of the league phase of the Champions League (live coverage with our text commentary and free web radio on fcbayern.com and in the FC Bayern app from 21:00 CEST). Following the spectacular 3–3 draw against Norwegian side Viking FK in Stavanger, the record champions face their next major challenge in the form of the Premier League champions. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the game in our preview.
Final training session, press conference & more – here’s how Bayern’s day unfolded ahead of the home game against the Gunners:
Latest news from FC Bayern
With four points from their first two matches, FC Bayern currently sit tenth in the league phase of the Champions League. Their 5–0 win against Bodø/Glimt was followed by a dramatic 3–3 draw at Viking FK. The Munich side turned the match around after the break thanks to a brace from Harry Kane and a goal from Luis Díaz, but conceded a late equaliser after Michael Olise was sent off.
In the Bundesliga, the record champions recently marked a return to form with a convincing 6–1 victory over RB Leipzig. They're now looking to lay down a marker in the Champions League against Arsenal. “We’ve still got a bit of a score to settle from last season,” said Serge Gnabry, referring to the 3–1 defeat in their last Champions League clash. “We want to win – that’s what it’s all about. I’m looking forward to the match.”
The Munich side can draw on a strong home record against the Gunners: of their seven Champions League home games against Arsenal, FC Bayern have won five, drawn one and lost just one. The German record champions have won all of their last three home encounters.
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s head coach, is also looking forward to the clash: “This is the stage, this is the kind of team, coach, club and stadium you want to be part of.” He said his team had prepared with tremendous enthusiasm. “I’m hugely excited about coming here tomorrow and winning the match.”
The Arsenal coach is expecting an open, end-to-end contest and stressed: “We know what sort of match lies ahead. Both teams are well aware of that.” Bayern will pose major challenges for Arsenal – and that is precisely what appeals to his team: “We’re really looking forward to it.”
It'll all come down to the little things. We have to be prepared for everything – set pieces and every single detail. We want the players to play fearlessly and perform to their best ability on the pitch."
Aaron Danks (FC Bayern assistant coach)
Another player who offers cause for optimism is Harry Kane. The England captain has scored in nine consecutive Champions League games – a run previously achieved only by Robert Lewandowski, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ruud van Nistelrooy. Across his career, Kane's already scored 15 goals in 22 competitive appearances against Arsenal.
“He always has the right attitude; he helps the team not only through his performances but also by being selfless. He’s a terrific player who’s a joy to have in the team,” said Gnabry of his teammate. Aaron Danks, FC Bayern assistant coach, also stressed: “It’s brilliant working with Harry. He works incredibly hard. He can also be our best defender and our best playmaker.”
For Gnabry himself, the match is special because of his past. The attacking midfielder learned his trade at Arsenal and knows the opposition and the environment inside out. He also has an exceptional record against London sides (seven goals in seven Champions League games). “I can’t explain my record against London sides. It’s all about winning. If I can play my part in a victory, that makes me all the happier,” explained the 31-year-old.
Team news
FC Bayern will be missing Michael Olise for the match against Arsenal. The Frenchman is suspended following his sending off in the game against Viking. It’s particularly disappointing given that, since the start of last season, Olise has provided the most shot assists of any player in the Champions League.
Jamal Musiala is still sidelined following his muscle fibre tear. It's also doubtful whether head coach Vincent Kompany will be able to take his place in the dugout on Wednesday, as the head coach has been advised by the medical staff to take it easy. “Vincent has a viral infection. It’s important that he gets some rest. We’re monitoring the situation constantly and will see how he is tomorrow,” explained assistant coach Aaron Danks. Should Kompany be unable to take his place, the joint coaching team of Danks and René Maric would take charge of the side at the Allianz Arena – just as they did against PSG in last season’s semi-final. “If we win, it would always be a victory for Bayern Munich; it would also be important to Vincent that it's not an individual achievement but a team effort. The club always comes first; we do everything for the club and the fans,” said Danks.
According to Danks, a decision on the goalkeeper will not be made until matchday. Manuel Neuer has been back on the pitch for two days following his foot injury. Whether he will return against Arsenal or whether Jonas Urbig will once again be between the posts will be decided at short notice: “We haven’t made the decision yet. Manu has been on the pitch for two days, which is brilliant. We’ll decide with the coaching staff and Vincent.”
The opposition: Arsenal
The Gunners travel to Munich with six points from their first two games. Following their 1–0 win at Napoli, Arsenal secured a 3–0 victory over Lille on Matchday 2. Mikel Arteta’s side impressed with their defensive resilience, keeping a clean sheet in both Champions League encounters.
In the league phase of the Champions League, the English champions are currently in seventh place with a goal difference of 4:0. The London side’s run in Europe’s premier club competition is particularly impressive: Arsenal have won all of their last 14 league-phase matches, going back to last season. In their last 21 group-stage/league-phase matches, the Gunners have conceded just eight goals and kept 13 clean sheets.
Arteta expressed great respect for FC Bayern and head coach Vincent Kompany: “I hope he recovers soon and can be there tomorrow.” He said he was impressed by Kompany’s work: “The identity and quality his team have shown in recent years are on a different level.”
Harry Kane, too, poses a particular challenge for the Arsenal defence: “What Harry has achieved in recent years is simply in a league of its own – on a different level.” The clash with the Bayern striker will require those special moments that Arteta expects from his team: “Tomorrow, at the Arena, we’ll have to show what we’re made of.”
The lowdown on Arsenal:
For us, this is the sort of match we want to take on. We’ve been very consistent in both competitions – and so have they. Tomorrow will be a big test for us to see just where we stand.
Mikel Arteta (Arsenal coach)
With their style of play, Arsenal will pose a tough challenge for Bayern. The London side are known for their intense pressing and often win the ball back in the opposition’s half. So far in this Champions League campaign, 73 per cent of their intense pressing has taken place in the opposition’s third – the highest figure of any team after the first two matchdays. “Arsenal won the league and have a strong squad. It'll all come down to who’s in better form on the day,” said Gnabry.
Arsenal keeper David Raya is approaching the clash with great respect: “Every match is a big one. Bayern Munich play incredibly good football, and we know just how good they are.” At the same time, the Spaniard promised a spirited performance from his team: “We have to be ourselves, play our own game, keep Bayern away from our goal and pick up the three points.”
Raya singled out Harry Kane in particular. He said the Bayern striker was “a major threat – not just in the penalty area”. It was “not just about his goals, but also his assists and the way he reads the game.”
Put your knowledge of the Champions League fixture to the test in our quiz:
Topics of this article