Bayern Munich overcame Arsenal 1-0 at the Allianz Arena to progress to the semi-finals of the Champions League with a 3-2 aggregate score. However, it was far from straightforward for Der Rekordmeister.
A cagey first half saw chances hard to come by for both sides. Arsenal were able to weather a fleeting Bayern storm before mounting some pressure of their own prior to the interval, but the game would ultimately head into the break level.
Regardless, when the sides re-emerged for the second half, Thomas Tuchel’s side kicked into gear. As Arsenal appeared to become overwhelmed by the Bayern onslaught, the Bavarians hit a killer blow.
Raphaël Guerreiro’s delightful cross was met by Joshua Kimmch, who powered a header past a helpless David Raya in the Arsenal goal. With Der Rekordmeister now in the driving seat, they attempted to double their advantage.
Chances for Leroy Sané and Jamal Musiala would come and go as Arsenal’s belief in an equaliser grew. Nonetheless, Bayern would hold firm to grind out a magnificent 3-2 aggregate win to book their place in the Champions League semi-final.
Bayern Munich are built for the big occasions
On the night and over both legs, in truth, Bayern were the better side, and their progression to the semi-finals is much deserved. However, the performances witnessed by Bayern in Europe have not matched those of their domestic displays.
On Saturday, Der Rekordmeister struggled to navigate their way past a relegation-threatened FC Köln. Despite the 2-0 scoreline suggesting otherwise, if the Billygoats had taken their chances, it could have been a different story.
Ultimately, that has determined Bayern’s season in the Bundesliga: a lack of cutting edge. Nevertheless, in the Champions League, their experience has proved dividends.
Arsenal appeared naive and out of their depth at times, and once Bayern noticed this, they took advantage. In the big moments, Tuchel’s side came out on top, and in the midfield, Konrad Laimer and Leon Goretzka ran the show.
As the semi-final approaches, Bayern pose themselves as a significant threat to anyone who gets in their way. With a team of serial winners and a head coach who can boast success in the Champions League with Chelsea, could Der Rekordmeister become champions of Europe?
GGFN | Will Shopland
