Arsenal and Bayern Munich traded blows in a pulsating 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium to leave their Champions League quarter-final finely poised ahead of next week’s second leg.
Bukayo Saka gave Mikel Arteta’s side an early lead with a superb, curling finish but Bayern capitalised on poor defending to equalise through former Gunner Serge Gnabry soon afterwards.
Former Tottenham striker Harry Kane, booed on his return to north London along with Eric Dier, then coolly dispatched a penalty for his 15th goal in 20 games against Arsenal after Leroy Sane was felled by William Saliba, but the hosts found a leveller when Leandro Trossard swept home a clinical finish in the second half.
Arsenal had most of the possession but six-time winners Bayern were a constant threat on the break, with Kingsley Coman slamming a close-range shot against the post in the 90th minute before Saka had a penalty appeal, following contact with Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, controversially turned down in stoppage time.
Bayern, without any fans at the Emirates Stadium due to a UEFA ban, will welcome Arsenal to the Allianz Arena for the second leg on Wednesday next week with the tie in the balance.
Player ratings
Arsenal: Raya (6), White (7), Saliba (6), Gabriel (6), Kiwior (5), Jorginho (6), Rice (6), Saka (7), Odegaard (7), Martinelli (6), Havertz (7).
Subs: Zinchenko (6), Trossard (7), Jesus (7), Partey (6).
Bayern Munich: Neuer (6), Kimmich (6), De Ligt (6), Dier (7), Davies (6), Laimer (7), Goretzka (7), Sane (8), Musiala (7), Gnabry (7), Kane (8).
Subs: Coman (6), Guerreiro (6).
Player of the match: Harry Kane.
source – Arsenal 2 – 2 Bay Munich – Match Report & Highlights (skysports.com)
