Bayern Munich put one foot in the Champions League quarter-finals this evening with a 2-0 win over Arsenal at the Emirates in the first leg of their last 16 tie.
The Gunners missed a great chance to open the scoring early when Mesut Ozil's penalty was saved but Manuel Neuer, but they were let off themselves towards the end of the half as David Alaba missed a spot kick of his own.
Wojciech Szczesny was sent off when conceding that penalty, however, and Bayern soon made their man advantage pay after the break when Toni Kroos curled a sublime effort into the top corner.
The visitors pressed for a second and it eventually came with just two minutes of normal time remaining as Thomas Muller nodded in from inside the box.
You can read how a dramatic 90 minutes unfolded with Sports Mole's live coverage of the match below.
Good evening and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the Champions League last 16 first leg between Arsenal and Bayern Munich at the Emirates. What a match we should have ahead of us as two of Europe's most attractive teams go head-to-head for the second season running.
We'll start by looking at our hosts tonight, who will hope to have learned a few lesson from their encounter with Bayern exactly a year ago today. The Germans raced into a two-goal lead within 21 minutes on that occasion, and their three away goals proved to be the difference as the Gunners went to Munich and managed to win 2-0. They simply can't afford a similar start - nor a similar result - this time around.
They come into this match still fighting on three fronts which, with nine days left of February, will please the Gunners. February has traditionally been a costly month for them in recent years, with exits from the cup competitions and slip-ups in the league, but they remain just one point off the pace in the Premier League and have made it into the quarters of the FA Cup courtesy of a morale-restoring 2-1 win over Liverpool in their last outing.
They certainly haven't had a problem with goals so far this season, with only the free-scoring pair of Manchester City and Liverpool having netted more times than the Gunners in the league so far this season. In a match where they are unlikely to enjoy their usual dominance of the ball, it is vital that they take any chances they can get, and Wenger is fortunate to have a few good goalscorers in midfield as well as up front.
It may be at the other end where they are tested most over this tie, but by and large they have performed well in that area as well. Putting aside heavy defeats to Manchester City and Liverpool, the Gunners have run a tight ship at the back, with many proclaiming Mertesacker and Koscielny as the best defensive partnership in the league. Indeed, only Chelsea have conceded fewer this season.
They are particularly impressive defensively at home, with the exception of their opening day defeat to Aston Villa. They have conceded just two goals in their last 13 matches at the Emirates Stadium, while their tally for the entire season stands at just 11 in 21 matches. Unsurprisingly, they are unbeaten in those last 13 in front of their own fans, winning 10 and drawing three.
They did not have an easy passage into the last 16 by any stretch of the imagination. They were drawn in a group with the team Bayern beat in last year's final - Borussia Dortmund - as well as Napoli and Marseille. In the end, the big three of Dortmund, Arsenal and Napoli all finished level on points, with the latter missing out on goal difference. Things could have been even better for the Gunners, but they lost 2-0 to Napoli in the final match of the group to miss out on top spot. Had they drawn or won that game, they would not be facing Bayern Munich now.
They can not afford to be thinking 'What if?' going into this match, though. Wenger will have filled them with belief, no doubt using their 2-0 away win over Munich last season as his main inspiration. He may also be interested to hear that English teams have won seven of their last 10 Champions League meetings with German clubs, including that Arsenal win last season and one for Manchester City away to Bayern in the current campaign.
Such statistics fade into insignificance when you take into account the sheer quality of this Bayern team, however. Very rarely in his 17-year reign will Wenger have come up against a team quite this good, with Bayern having even improved from their historic treble-winning season under Jupp Heynckes last season. They will have been annoyed to lose to City in their most recent Champions League outing, but by that point they had already qualified for the next round.
The German champions have swept aside all of the competition domestically so far this season and are already a staggering 16 points clear of second after just 21 games. The incredible stats keep on coming as they have won 19 of those 21 matches, picking up 59 points from a possible 63. They have not failed to win a league match since October 5, picking up 39 points from 39 in that run, which stretches back 13 games.
Unsurprisingly, their figures reflect their utter dominance. They have scored more goals than any other side in the league, and perhaps even more impressively have conceded fewer. Their defence has been breached just nine times in their 21 matches, while their attack has scored 57 times.
In all competitions, Bayern have won their last nine - since that defeat to Manchester City. Ominously for Arsenal, they still seem to be improving, averaging four goals a game in their last four outings whilst conceding none. They average 2.5 goals per game away from home, which is the highest of any team in Europe's top five divisions.
Before Guardiola took over as Bayern coach, plenty of people were questioning how he could improve a team that won almost everything last season, but he has managed it. Moving Lahm into defensive midfield has been a revelation, and arguably the world's best full-back is now one of the best in his new position too. Bayern look to be cruising to another record-breaking performance in the Bundesliga, and it is hard to see how anyone can stop them in Europe either on current form.
They have won 31 of their 35 competitive matches so far this season, which is a stupendous record to be able to boast. They are, of course, aiming to make more history by becoming the first team to successfully defend the Champions League in its current guise and they are certainly favourites to do that. The likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona - and Arsenal tonight, for that matter - may have something to say about that, but there is little doubt that Bayern are the strongest team in Europe at the moment. Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker recently described them as "untouchable", and he may well be right.
However, they are not quite invincible. Manchester City have shown that this season, as did Dortmund by beating them in the German Super Cup at the beginning of the campaign. In fact, even the comparative minnows Red Bull Salzburg have beaten them 3-0, albeit in a mid-season friendly. Arsenal have a mountain to climb from the start tonight, but it is not an impossible task.
TEAM NEWS: Right, the team news is in for both sides, and one name immediately jumps out as Wenger opts for Yaya Sanogo to start up front alone. Giroud only makes the bench, while Jack Wilshere partners Flamini in defensive midfield with Arteta suspended. Bayern, meanwhile, have the luxury of being able to leave the likes of Schweinsteiger and Muller on the bench as Mandzukic plays up front and Thiago comes into midfield. Full team news for both sides on the way.
ARSENAL STARTING XI: Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs; Wilshere, Flamini; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ozil, Cazorla; Sanogo
ARSENAL SUBS: Fabianski, Monreal, Jenkinson, Rosicky, Gnabry, Podolski, Giroud
BAYERN MUNICH STARTING XI: Neuer; Dante, Boateng, Alaba; Thiago, Lahm, Martinez, Götze, Kroos; Robben; Mandzukic
BAYERN MUNICH SUBS: Starke, Van Buyten, Rafinha, Pizarro, Muller, Contento, Schweinsteiger
So, what can we make of those two teams? Well, there really is only one place to start and that is up front for the Gunners. Sanogo started the match against Liverpool at the weekend and did quite well, but tonight is a real tough ask so I am surprised that Wenger has stuck with him. Giroud, suffering through a slight injury and off-field issues, once again only makes the bench, but could be a potent weapon if Wenger finds himself needing a goal. All eyes will be on Sanogo tonight to see how he deals with this Bayern side who have conceded just nine league goals all season.
He will, of course, be ably supported by an impressive cast behind him. Bayern have had nothing but compliments to say about Mesut Ozil, and Guardiola will be fully aware of his qualities from his time managing in Spain. He will also come up against a number of his Germany teammates tonight, so both sides will look to use their inside knowledge there. There is no doubt that Ozil playing at his best is good enough to cause Bayern real problems, but there have been questions raised over his performances of late.
In addition to Ozil, the Gunners have Oxlade-Chamberlain back in his wing position, and he will look to cause the Bayern defence problems by getting in support of Sanogo and using his pace and power. Cazorla will play on the other side and he is another who can really test the Bayern defence tonight. There aren't many technically better players around than Cazorla, and he is capable of switching onto either wing or playing up the middle, so he could be tough to keep track of this evening.
Wilshere and Flamini could arguably be Arsenal's two most important players tonight as they look to halt an all-star Bayern midfield. Flamini has proved to be an incredibly shrewd signing from Wenger and has given the midfield the steel that they had been lacking before. Wilshere also has plenty of that and will battle away until he can no longer stand, as well as having the ability to carry the ball forward and add an extra body to the attack.
It is no surprise to see Szczesny return to the side for tonight's match, and I'm sure he will not be expecting a quiet night. However, he is protected by a good defence and, just as Bayern could look to use their inside knowledge against Ozil, Mertesacker will look to use his to stop any of his German internationals.
The Arsenal defence will be happy that there is no Franck Ribery to face this evening, while his likely replacement Shaqiri is also injured, but they can still boast a fearsome attacking line. Mandzukic has established himself as a fine spearpoint for the likes of Robben and Gotze to work around, and the likes of Mertesacker will be looking to stop the Croatian striker holding the ball up too much tonight.
Any midfield that can leave out Schweinsteiger and Muller is clearly a top quality one, and the likes of Thiago, Lahm and Kroos would walk into most teams in world football right now. Their defence is also formidable and, even if Arsenal manage to get past them, they have arguably the best keeper in the world in the shape of Neuer to beat. It really is frighteningly good team from 1-11.
PREDICTION: Right, we're 10 minutes from kickoff here in North London, which means that it is time for my match prediction! Arsenal are the sort of team who can pull off a special performance on the night, but they will have to be at their brilliant best to get a win from this match. Anything less than that and Bayern will take full advantage. The Germans are in such good form and have such a good side out that I can't look past them for the victory this evening. Arsenal want to play more intelligently than last season's meeting, but that is easier said than done against a team of this quality. I'm going for a repeat of last year, 3-1 to Bayern.
Bayern certainly have plenty of experience in this competition having won it five times to Arsenal's nil, but under Wenger few teams are more experienced than the Gunners at this stage of the competition. They continuously reach it and by now will know all of the tricks of the trade involved with European football.
Arsenal have had a problem with slow starts recently, memorably going 4-0 down to Liverpool within 20 minutes, while they conceded a number of chances against the same opposition early in their last outing. Bayern raced into a 2-0 lead within 21 minutes of the same fixture last season, so the Gunners may make a cautious start to this match. A statistic to worry about later in the match is that four of their five goals conceded in this season's competition have come in the last 20 minutes.
Arsenal have lost their last three ties at this stage of the competition, including last season's to Bayern, of course, while the German side have won four of their last five last-16 matches.
There is one more Champions League tie going on tonight as AC Milan host Atletico Madrid at the San Siro. I will keep you up to date with major events in that match, while you can also follow it in a little more depth by clicking here.
That spine-tingling Champions League music rings around the stadium to enhance the feeling on what is already a special night in North London. This should be an absolute cracker of a game, and we can only hope that it lives up to pre-match expectations!
KICKOFF: Arsenal get us underway at the Emirates for what should be a very interesting match. Can Arsenal halt the Bayern juggernaut or will the German champions pick up yet another win?
Very bright opening from Oxlade-Chamberlain as he tries to take on his man before being shepherded out. Moments later Sanogo makes a similar dart at the defence as Arsenal look to begin this game positively.
SAVE! What a start that would have been for the visitors. Lahm plays it in to Robben, who in turn shifts it once more to Kroos. The midfielder lines up a long-range effort and smashes it towards the top corner, only to be denied by a fine flying save from Szczesny. Great effort, and an equally impressive stop.
The Gunners have really tried to get at Bayern in these opening stages, looking to feed off what is an electric atmosphere inside the Emirates. They do have to be wary of getting caught on the counter, though, as this Munich side can score in the blink of an eye.
CHANCE! What a save that is from Neuer. After a sustained attack from the hosts the ball drops to Sanogo inside the box and he hits a snapshot towards the bottom corner. The Bayern keeper reacts very quickly to get down and make a really good save, however.
PENALTY TO ARSENAL!
SAVED!
Oh my word, what a start to this match this has been! Ozil is brought down inside the box by Boateng and the referee duly points to the spot, although there was a question over whether Ozil was offside when he received the ball. It doesn't matter in the end as Ozil lazily puts it down the middle, and Neuer, diving to his left, sticks out a strong hand to make a vital save.
Robben goes down fairly easily but wins the free kick in a good position for a shot. He takes it himself but hits his initial effort into the wall before flashing a rebounded volley well over the crossbar.
This game has certainly not disappointed so far. It has been a frenetic opening 13 minutes, and Arsenal will be kicking themselves that they haven't been able to take advantage of what was a glorious chance to take an early lead.
Bayern seem to have weathered that early storm of pressure and now seem to have a little more solidity at the back where before they were getting cut to pieces by a rampant Arsenal.
The visitors come forward again as Robben plays a reverse ball to Lahm on the right wing. He tries to reach the touchline before crossing it, but his delivery is cleared for a corner.
The corner comes in and the initial clearance drops to Alaba on the edge of the box. He is in acres of space and drives a low volley towards the far corner, but Flamini throws himself in the way of it to make a very important block.
Well, Arsenal will certainly be happier with this opening 20 minutes than they were exactly a year ago when they were 2-0 down. However, their incredible start is just beginning to fizzle out as Bayern grab a foothold in the game. How costly could that Ozil penalty miss prove to be?
Ozil comes forward and threads a pass into Sanogo in the area. The youngster tries to lay it back to the German with a one-touch pass, but it doesn't find its intended target. The ball bounces out to the edge of the box where Flamini is waiting, but his effort his high and wide.
CHANCE! Sanogo does really well in his own half, spinning away from two men before lifting a ball over the top for Oxlade-Chamberlain to chase. Alaba gets to it first but his pass to Neuer is a little short, forcing the keeper to rush out and hack clear off the toes of the Arsenal winger.
Chamberlain comes forward again down the right, taking on Dante before creating room to cross. His ball is cut out and put behind for a corner, but it is more really bright play from the youngster.
Smooth build-up play by Bayern as Robben lays it into the path of Gotze, who in turn looks for Mandzukic in the area. Sagna does really well to deny the striker, before Koscielny shows good composure to help complete the clearance.
Kroos whips a good delivery into the area from a free kick and Mandzukic attacks it well, but he can only send his header a few yards wide of the right post.
Boateng races forward to meet Wilshere in midfield and brings down the Arsenal man. He needs to be careful with challenges like that as he has already been booked following the penalty incident.
ARSENAL SUB: Bad news for Arsenal as Gibbs is forced off with what looks like a hamstring injury. On comes Nacho Monreal in his place.
Bayern produce some lovely one-touch football in and around the area, but first Szczesny comes out to make a good punch before Thiago's shot is blocked in the box.
Important block from Mertesacker as the ball is slipped into Alaba down the left before he cuts it back inside to Robben, who has moved into the are for the return pass. His first-time effort is blocked by the German defender, however, as he stands his ground well.
Bayern come forward again and for a moment it looks as if Mandzukic will have a chance to shoot from inside the box, but Koscielny does really well to get back and make the challenge. The visitors are certainly on top right now.
PENALTY TO BAYERN MUNICH!
RED CARD! Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal)
Huge moment in his match! Kroos chips a delightful ball into the box towards Robben, who has run through without being tracked by Monreal. Szczesny comes racing out and catches Robben as he gets the first touch to take it past the keeper. It was not his fault as he had to do something, but the ref was right to give a penalty and then it had to be a red card.
ARSENAL SUB: Lukasz Fabianski comes on in place of the departed Szczesny, and Cazorla is the man to be sacrificed. His first action will be to face a penalty.
PENALTY MISSED!
Unbelievable! Alaba is the man charged with the penalty and he goes for the bottom corner, sending the keeper the wrong way but hitting the foot of the post! That is two penalties missed in what has been an incredible first half at the Emirates.
Of course, that could well only be a temporary reprieve for Arsenal as they now have to face the majority of the match with 10 men. Guardiola's teams are renowned for keeping possession, and now they will be able to hog the ball to an even greater extent. Arsenal already had a mountain to climb, but their task now looks almost insurmountable. Priority number one will be holding on until half time.
Incidentally, that is a century up for Arsene Wenger. The Gunners have now received 100 red cards during his time as manager of the club.
Robben is receiving some vociferous jeers from the home fans for his part in the penalty, but it was certainly a spot kick. His reputation for going down too easily will certainly not have helped his popularity levels here, though.
There will be two minutes of added time at the end of this first half.
YELLOW CARD! Mandzukic goes into the book, but I'm not quite sure what for. That will give Arsenal a little more time to hold on until the break, when they can try to regroup.
HALF TIME: Arsenal 0-0 Bayern Munich
Well, what a dramatic half of football that was. We may not have had any goals so far, but that scoreline does not even begin to tell the story of this game. We have had two penalties, a red card and plenty of other action as Arsenal and Bayern go into the break all square. We are set up for a very intriguing second half.
The first penalty went the way of Arsenal after just eight minutes when Ozil was brought down in the area by Boateng. He had cut inside his man and was brought down by a clumsy leg. The referee made the correct decision to award it, but there was a question over whether Ozil was offside when he initially received the ball. The German picked himself up, dusted himself off and took the spot kick himself, only to be denied by Neuer. It was a lazy, weak effort right down the middle, and the Bayern keeper stuck up a strong hand to deny his childhood friend.
The second spot kick is likely to have an even bigger influence on the match as it also resulted in a red card for Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny. Kroos chipped the ball through for Robben, who had escaped the attentions of the defenders and got to the ball just before the keeper. His touch took him round Szczesny, who brought the Dutchman down and was duly given his marching orders. Alaba stepped up, but his low effort hit the foot of the left post as Arsenal were handed a reprieve.
There was always going to be a lot of scrutiny on the ref tonight after the Manchester City vs. Barcelona game last night, and Nicola Rizzoli has done well so far. He has plenty of pedigree having taken charge of the final last season, and he has got the big decision right. Both were clear penalties and, once he had given the second, he had no choice but to send Szczesny off.
There have been other big moments in the match, with Szczesny making an impressive flying stop to deny a Kroos piledriver in the opening minutes and Arsenal playing some electrifying football shortly after that. The Gunners were by far the better team for the first 15 minutes or so, but Bayern began to ease themselves into the match and, with a man advantage, it is hard to see a way back for Arsenal. If there is any consolation to be had, it can come from the fact that they were 2-0 down at this stage of the match last season.
Neuer has also be called into making a very good low save to deny Sanogo, who has played very well having been a shock inclusion in the starting lineup. Oxlade-Chamberlain has also had a really good game for the hosts, but both are likely to spend most of their time defending in the second half with a man less.
It is also worth noting that Arsenal have already made two subs as Gibbs was forced off through injury before they had to replace Szczesny with Fabianski. That will make their task even harder as the players' legs get tired from the inevitable chasing of the ball in the second half. It will be energy-sapping stuff for the hosts, and Guardiola's teams are better than any at maximising such an advantage.
BAYERN MUNICH SUB: The visitors make a half-time change as Rafinha replaces Boateng, who has already been booked. That will see Martinez drop into the centre and Lahm move into defensive midfield.
KICKOFF: We're back underway for what should be a very interesting second half. Bayern much be huge favourites now, but can Arsenal upset the odds and hold on for a draw - or even nick a win?
Bayern instantly go onto the front foot and Mandzukic gets the ball inside the box but Flamini does well to disrupt him and eventually clear the danger, with the help of Ozil. You feel that this will be a long half for the hosts.
SAVE! Bayern come forward again and Monreal can only clear the ball as far as Kroos, who has time to shoot. We have already seen tonight that he has a fierce strike on him, but this time the low effort is easy for Fabianki to gather.
Oxlade-Chamberlain makes a quick break down the right before trying to find Sanogo on the box, but his pass runs through to the keeper. Oxlade-Chamberlain will be a very important outlet for the hosts now as he has caused plenty of problems with his pace, power and direct running so far tonight.
Lazy defending from Ozil as he lets Rafinha just run off his shoulder and into the box. Luckily for the Arsenal man, the ball is too high for the sub for make anything of it, but he may not be so fortunate next time.
Half chance for Arsenal as Koscielny finds himself with a little space inside the box from a free kick. He just can't get the ball under control immediately, however, and his eventual shot is easy for Neuer to gather.
SAVE! Vintage Robben as he runs straight at his full-back before dropping his shoulder and cutting inside on his left. He runs across the edge of the box before trying to pick out the bottom corner with a curling effort, but Fabianski gets down to make a smart stop.
GOAL! Arsenal 0-1 Bayern Munich (Toni Kroos)
Sensational from Kroos. Bayern knock the ball about patiently in Arsenal's third before Lahm just plays it back to Kroos on the edge of the box. He then curls a sublime effort into the top corner which Fabianski can do nothing about. That was a top quality finish from the midfielder.
YELLOW CARD! Sanogo becomes the latest player in the book for a foul on Neuer, who does make the most of it. The Bayern players want another red card, but the ref holds firm and only shows the yellow.
The camera has just shown Wenger speaking to Robben before appearing to insinuate that he dived to win the penalty. Pellegrini lost his cool for City last night and Wenger may have done so as well tonight.
The possession stats are a sight to behold. Bayern have had 70% of the ball tonight, which is a staggering amount considering it is usually Arsenal who dominate that. Of course, the red card has had an impact, and the Gunners have only seen 22% of the ball in this second half so far.
Bayern are just camped in the Arsenal third at the moment, patiently probing for another way through. The hosts' main priority must be simply to stay in the tie now, and hope for one chance at the other end that could give them an equaliser.
CHANCE! Big chance for Bayern as Robben makes a great run off Koscielny to latch on to a diagonal lofted ball into the area. He has Mandzukic alone in the middle, but his guided cross/shot is well cut out by Fabianski.
Rafinha floats a decent ball into the box, but it is just slightly behind Gotze, who rises to head it wide. This is relentless pressure at the moment.
BAYERN MUNICH SUB: What a player to be able to bring on. As if things aren't hard enough for Arsenal right now, on comes Thomas Muller to replace Mario Mandzukic.
Kroos threads a lovely ball through to Rafinha down the right channel, and he sends a first-time delivery right across the face of goal. Muller is inches away from what would have been a simple finish, but in the end it goes all the way through and away from immediate danger. It won't be away for long, however, you can be sure of that.
Wenger has a dilemma when it comes to making subs in this second half. He only has one more to make and, with Bayern making so much ground down the right flank, he may be tempted to withdraw Ozil and bring on Rosicky, who is a little better defensively. However, when he makes such a sub will also make a difference given fatigue levels.
CLOSE! Robben is really enjoying himself down that right flank at the moment. He comes close here as he opens up his body to send a curling effort just past the far post, with Fabianski looking like he was beaten.
This is quite incredible. All nine Arsenal outfield players are inside their own third as Bayern relentless pass it from side to side, looking for an opening. I'm not sure if I have ever seen a more one-sided half than this one.
A cross finally comes into the box after another patient attack, and Muller gets a good diving header on it. His effort hits Mertesacker and deflects just wide, which is lucky for the Arsenal man as it could have gone anywhere.
ARSENAL SUB: Wenger does make his final change of the came, which means the 10 players currently in red on the field will have to hold out for the last 15 minutes or so. It is not Ozil but Oxlade-Chamberlain who goes off to be replaced by Rosicky.
PENALTY SHOUT! That is clumsy from Koscielny as he goes stumbling into the ankle of Muller, who had cut back inside his man well. The referee does not point to the spot for a third time in this game, but he could well have done. That was not too dissimilar to the Arsenal penalty in the first half.
UPDATE: It is still goalless in the San Siro between AC Milan and Atletico Madrid, which would be a decent enough result for the Spanish side as they would fancy their chances at home.
BAYERN SUB: Guardiola is going in for the kill in the final 10 minutes as he brings another striker on in the form of Claudio Pizarro. He replaces Thiago.
Robben has been instrumental down the right wing tonight, but this isn't his finest moment. He cuts inside onto his left foot for the umpteenth time but slices a wild effort a long way wide of the post.
Robben is involved yet against as he dances into the box, but he eventually runs out of room and can only squeeze the ball back off an Arsenal defender for a corner.
UPDATE: There has been a goal in the night's other Champions League tie and it is Atletico Madrid who have got it! What a huge away goal that could be for the Spanish side, who have taken the lead through Diego Costa.
YELLOW CARD! Rosicky goes into the book for a late challenge, and he can have no real complaints about that one.
GOAL! Arsenal 0-2 Bayern Munich (Thomas Muller)
Oh, what a sucker punch that is for Arsenal. Bayern get the elusive and potentially all-important second goal as he nods a header into the ground and past Fabianski. It was a clever run from Pizarro that drew the defenders and Flamini left him alone inside the box, and it was a simple task to convert Lahm's cross for a player of his quality.
Bayern come close to a third as the ball drops to Gotze inside the box, but his snapshot is deflected wide for a corner. Another goal would surely be game, set and match for the tie.
OFF THE POST! Bayern come within inches of getting that other goal, and it is Kroos again with a shot from the edge of the area. Again he opens his body and steers an effort, but this time he keeps it low, guiding it off the foot of the upright. Lovely effort.
FULL TIME: Arsenal 0-2 Bayern Munich
The referee brings an end to Arsenal's misery by blowing the whistle for the final time on what was a very eventful match in North London. The Gunners hung on to a one-goal deficit with just 10 men for a long time, but a late Muller header gifted the visitors what could prove to be a vital second goal. A year to the day after their last visit to the Emirates, Bayern once again leave with a two-goal lead to take into the second leg.
The Gunners started exceptionally well and could have taken the lead in the eighth minute when they were awarded a penalty, but Ozil saw his spot kick saved by Neuer. Bayern then started to get back into the match and were awarded a penalty of their own when Szczesny brought down Robben before receiving his marching orders. Once again, though, the penalty was missed as Alaba curled his low effort against the post.
The second half was an incredible show of dominance from the visitors as they monopolised the ball looking for a breakthrough. They finally got it when Kroos curled a sensational effort into the top corner from 20 yards, but their second was a little longer coming. An exhausted Arsenal held out admirably, but ultimately that second goal from Muller may have put the tie beyond them. Is it impossible for them to erase the deficit in Munich? No, after all, they won 2-0 in the second leg last season, but it would take a monumental effort against from Arsene Wenger's side.
Right, that is all we have time for this evening on what was a typically action-packed night of Champions League football. It is Bayern Munich who take a substantial advantage into the second leg with two away goals, and they will be overwhelming favourites to reach the quarter finals now. I will leave you with our match report, and be sure to stick around for reaction. There is more European football in the shape of the Europa League tomorrow, so come back to join us for that too. Until then, though, it is goodbye from me!
Written by
Barney Corkhill
Barney Corkhill
