Arsenal faced a bitter disappointment in the Champions League as they were defeated by Bayern Munich in an electric atmosphere at Allianz Arena.
Joshua Kimmich’s powerful header in the 63rd minute, off Raphael Guerreiro’s cross, secured Bayern’s passage to the semi-finals with a 3-2 aggregate victory, following a 2-2 draw in the first leg in London.
Despite hosting Bayern at Emirates Stadium, Arsenal entered the match with confidence, hoping to advance against a Bayern side grappling with a challenging domestic season and missing key players Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman due to injury.
In a tense and closely contested second leg, watched by Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke, Gabriel Martinelli had Arsenal’s best chance in the first half, but his shot was saved by Manuel Neuer after Jamal Musiala tested David Raya at the other end.
Although Harry Kane had minimal involvement in the first 45 minutes, Neuer was forced into action again, saving Martin Odegaard’s deflected attempt.
As both teams pushed for a breakthrough, chances were scarce, but the intensity increased in the second half. Leon Goretzka struck the post with a header, and Guerreiro’s follow-up was cleared off the line by Raya via the post.
However, Kimmich’s decisive header sealed Arsenal’s fate and prolonged their quest for a first Champions League title.
Bayern Munich will face Real Madrid in the semi-finals after the 14-time winners eliminated Manchester City on penalties.
Reflecting on the season, England captain Kane, who scored in the first leg, acknowledged the challenges but emphasized reaching the semi-finals as a significant achievement. “It’s been a tough season for us. To reach the semi-finals is a great achievement for us, and we can enjoy it. The expectation here is to try and win the Champions League.”
Reported By BBC Sports
