Bayern Munich 1-0 Arsenal: Initial reactions and observations (2024)

Initial reactions and observations

• Fair play to him. Thomas Tuchel took the risky route, but the results speak for themselves. Bayern Munich are through to the semi finals of the UEFA Champions League, via a resolute defensive performance vs an Arsenal side that were almost thoroughly controlled. It wasn’t Bayern-like, but hey, so long as it works.
• Two often maligned players, Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka, absolutely stepped up with their play today to grant Bayern the win. Maybe the fanbase should start to wake up and appreciate the talent on the roster.
• Game management in the final minutes could have been much better. Chances to hold possession and waste minutes were squandered in half-hearted attempts to attack. Of course, it’s not in Bayern’s DNA to waste time — but when you’ve committed to defensive football already, why not go all the way? Especially when 1-0 up.
• Mentality made the difference on the night. Arsenal did not know what to do when Bayern made it difficult for them to play through the lines.
• The question of the next game is a tough one. Whoever qualifies, Real Madrid or Manchester City, will not make the same errors Arsenal did on the night. Will Tuchel have a plan to deal with them? Whatever happens, at least Bayern have a shot now.

Full time: Bayern Munich 1-0 Arsenal FC (3-2 on aggregate).

75’ — Sub: Kim Min-jae subbed on for Noussair Mazraoui.

63’ — GOOOOOOOOOOOAL! Joshua Kimmich makes it 1-0!

46’ — So close! Goretzka hits the crossbar!

45’ — The second half is underway!

Halftime observations and analysis

• Thomas Tuchel set his team up to defend, and that’s what they’ve been doing almost exclusively. Is this Bayern Munich or Atletico Madrid? It’s lucky that Arsenal have fallen into the trap of playing U-ball, because the players have lost their shape and concentration a fair few times in this half.
• Ball progression remains non-existent on the Bayern front. Getting out of the half feels like a Herculean effort every time.
• Leroy Sané can’t even beat Martinelli on his flank, let alone a proper defender. It’s been a tough evening for him so far.
• Joshua Kimmich seems to be Bayern’s go to guy in possession, but he has no real options for passing forward. Everything is too static — there are no players making the runs needed to unsettle the Arsenal defense.
• Manuel Neuer has had to make a few crucial saves already. Warning signs for Tuchel?

Halftime: Bayern Munich 0-0 Arsenal.

Kickoff: We’re underway!

One hour until kickoff: We have lineups! Looks like Thomas Tuchel expects Bayern Munich to do a lot of defending tonight, as he has benched Thomas Müller yet again in favor of fielding an extra defender in Raphaël Guerreiro. The rest of the starting XI is as expected, with Leroy Sané returning to the fold and Jamal Musiala behind Harry Kane at striker.

When the Champions League quarter-final draw was first announced, it looked like the Bayern Munich vs Arsenal tie was going to be a mere formality for the Gunners. Here we have one of the best teams in Europe, coached by a top level manager, with quality players throughout the squad ... and Bayern Munich. Or at least, that was what the narrative said at the time.

In truth, the German Rekordmeister are no slouches, even in an off year — as Mikel Arteta’s men found out at the Emirates. Unfortunately, Arsenal are likely to regroup from that setback and come to the Allianz Arena with a revamped setup and renewed confidence. The question is — what will Thomas Tuchel do about it?

Despite missing key players like Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry, the coach still has plenty of talent to call upon. Harry Kane is the first name on the team sheet, and Thomas Müller is likely to start behind him. Jamal Musiala remains one of the hottest talents in football, and Leroy Sané might just be fit enough to play. You’d expect Bayern Munich to compete with a squad like that, but reality has fallen short of expectations this season.

The first leg gave fans hope. Will the coach and the team rally together and make good on their promise? Or will it all end in disappointment? Whatever happens, the hope is there.

It’s Bayern time.

While you’re waiting for the game, why not check out our preview podcast? Listen to it below or on Spotify.

Match Info

Location: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany

Time: 9:00 pm local time, 3:00 pm EST

TV/streaming: Paramount+, Find Your Country

Tips for commenting:

1. If you’re a new member, feel free to introduce yourself! We’re mostly very friendly! Also, we’re from all parts of the world so don’t feel shy if you’re from a country that doesn’t seem represented on the blog.
2. Use the on-screen “Refresh comments” button to periodically load new comments.
3. Keep the sorting to “newest” to easily follow the conversation. It puts the newest comments at the top.
4. Here at BFW we celebrate every goal like they do in the stadium: with a chant. The goal chants are for everyone to participate in! Even if you’re lagging behind the others, keep replying to the most recent call of the player’s name. Even if you missed the first call, just start from the second, and so on.
5. While swearing is allowed within reason, please be polite to your fellow posters and avoid gratuitous obscenities. Racist, hom*ophobic, and misogynistic language is not allowed whatsoever.

Check out our beginners thread if you have any more questions. That’s about it. Auf geht’s!

Looking for an unending well of Bayern Munich content? Sign up for an SBNation account and join the conversation on Bavarian Football Works. Whether it’s full match coverage and analysis, breaking news, podcasts or something completely different, we have it all.