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The London side needed a strong display and favorable result against a European powerhouse, but the team surrendered their 2-0 advantage and the victory to Bayern Munich far too easily, plunging their European campaign into tricky waters.

Different Outcomes from Previous Campaign

Last season, a inspiring fightback from a goal behind to a 3-2 victory over Bayern in their final group game made up for their heavy defeat to the German opponents and ignited their remarkable journey to the final. It represented a pivotal moment in their season, showing a mental toughness that propelled them to a second Champions League title. Their breakdown here showed they are still searching for the fighting spirit that led to victory in May.

Travelling Supporters in Munich

More than 400 Arsenal fans had made the trip to Munich, many gathering at the city's famous beer hall before the game for their traditional gathering. They were shoved into a corner of the upper level at the Allianz Arena, but still made their voices heard, battling against the vocal local supporters of over 15,000 that brought the noise in the lower tier.

Building on Previous Performance

Daphne van Domselaar had said her team had "showed everything we had" in their hard-fought tie with Chelsea on Saturday. They were "deeply disappointed" by the outcome against the league leaders, with controversial officiating receiving much criticism of those frustrations.

The goal, though, was to take the energy of that strong performance after halftime to Germany with them. Arsenal had started slowly against Chelsea. In Munich they executed their strategy and there was no repetition of that slow start.

Fast Beginning for Visitors

They opened on the front foot. Beth Mead was particularly energetic and created difficulties for the Bayern defender Franziska Kett and the central player Momoko Tanikawa on the right as Arsenal's high and aggressive pressing proved effective.

It was Mead's effort that gave Arsenal the advantage in the early stages, the England forward's shot unusually parried by the Bayern goalkeeper, Maria Luisa Grohs. The midfielder was there to nod the ball back over the keeper and in.

Doubling the Lead

Arsenal's next score arrived in the 23rd minute. Bayern's determination to play out from the back had been dangerous and was capitalized on. Mead cut out the defender's wayward ball and laid off to the Swedish striker, who poked it towards Mariona Caldentey on the penalty area. The mercurial midfielder took a control to create space from the defender before driving past Grohs.

Second Half Collapse

The intensity lessened a little in the final period. The Bayern coach made substitutions to try to get his team back into the game: the former Chelsea forward Danish international, whose hat-trick in October 2024 took the game from 2-2 to 5-2, entered and Italian midfielder and Turkish talent followed shortly. The final substitute would make Arsenal sweat first, flying away on the break and receiving from German winger before directing the ball past the Arsenal keeper.

Complete Comeback

It was Bayern in the driving seat after the deficit was reduced, the hosts believing they could get a result from the game. Harder delivered, floating a cross in from the edge of the area to equalize. They did not just want to take something, though: they wanted it all, and shortly after they had the advantage, Icelandic defender scoring at the front post from the winger's delivery. This time it was a poor finish that let down Arsenal and, with a single victory from three Champions League games, they have a major challenge ahead.