Bayern Munich's unbeaten start ends in UEFA Champions League loss to Arsenal

Bayern Munich's 18-match unbeaten start to 2025/26 ended in a 3-1 UEFA Champions League defeat to Arsenal.

Arsenal 3-1 Bayern Munich
Goals: 1-0 Timber 22' (assist: Saka), 1-1 Karl 31' (assist: Gnabry), 2-1 Madueke 69' (assist: Calafiori), 3-1 Martinelli 77'

Bayern arrived in North London having won 17 of 18 competitive fixtures in 2025/26, like Arsenal winning their first four in the Champions League. The Bundesliga leaders were duly given a thorough test by their English counterparts, who took the lead midway through the first half when Jurrien Timber headed in a Bukayo Saka corner.

However, after Eberechi Eze passed up an opportunity to test Manuel Neuer when well placed in the attacking third, Bayern hit back with their first meaningful attempt on goal. Joshua Kimmich's superb cross-field pass found ex-Arsenal man Serge Gnabry, who sent over an inch-perfect pass for 17-year-old Lennart Karl to tuck away his second Champions League goal of the campaign.

Gnabry prevented Saka from running through on Neuer's goal as the contest opened up, before Bayern full-back Josip Stanišić dragged wide following another defence-splitting move. The visitors ended the half on top, with Harry Kane very close to pouncing on a deflected clearance from William Saliba.

Vincent Kompany's Bayern were almost undone within minutes of the restart as Kimmich inadvertently set up Saka for a run at goal, but Neuer pulled off a fabulous fingertip save to spare his teammate's blushes.

After ex-Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mikel Merino headed straight at Neuer, Karl went up the other end to warm the palms of David Raya. Another trademark Arsenal corner almost brought the next goal with 58 minutes gone, but Merino could not direct his close-range header on target. Cristhian Mosquera did just that moments later, only for Neuer to make a crucial block.

The pressure told in the 69th minute when Dayot Upamecano gave away possession to Declan Rice. The Arsenal midfielder was quick to feed the run of Riccardo Calafiori, who crossed for fellow substitute Noni Madueke to finish past Neuer from five yards out.

Bayern offered an immediate response, but Gnabry was unable to direct Kimmich's long ball on goal. With the six-time European champions driving forward in an attempt to find a leveller, Arsenal wrapped up the points through a breakaway strike from Gabriel Martinelli.

With three league-phase fixtures remaining, Bayern remain in the eight automatic knockout phase qualification places, albeit three points behind new leaders Arsenal.

Bayern conceded more than two goals in a game for the first time this season. - IMAGO/Eibner-Pressefoto/Marcel von Fehrn

Match stats

• Bayern had won their first four Champions League games of the season, beating Chelsea, Pafos, Club Brugge and holders Paris Saint-Germain.
• It was only their third loss in their last 13 UEFA competition matches against English opposition (W8, D2).
• Bayern have lost just four defeats in their last 53 group/ league phase encounters (W45, D4).
• Karl has three goals in 13 appearances for the Bayern first team. Aged 17 years and 277 days, he is the youngest player in Champions League history to score in each of his first two starts in the competition.
• After five goals in his first three games, Kane has gone two Champions League matches without a goal.

Line-ups

Arsenal: Raya - Timber (White 80'), Saliba, Mosquera, Lewis-Skelly (Calafiori 68') - Zubimendi, Rice - Saka (c) (Martinelli 68'), Eze (Ødegaard 80'), Trossard (Madueke 38') - Merino
Unused subs: Arrizabalaga, Setford, Hincapié, Nørgaard, Nwaneri
Out: Gabriel (thigh), Gyökeres (muscle), Havertz (knee), Jesus (knee)
Coach: Mikel Arteta

Bayern: Neuer (c) - Laimer (Bischof 73'), Upamecano (Kim 81'), Tah, Stanišić - Kimmich (Goretzka 81'), Pavlović - Karl (Guerreiro 81'), Olise, Gnabry (Jackson 72') - Kane
Unused subs: Ulreich, Urbig, Ito, Boey, Mike
Out: Davies (fitness), Díaz (suspended), Musiala (fitness)
Coach: Vincent Kompany

As it happened!

3 - 1

(0 - 0)

Arsenal

FINAL

Bayern

Champions League
League phase, Matchday 5 League phase, Matchday 5 Emirates Stadium, London

Full-time: Arsenal 3-1 Bayern Munich

After a high-octane opening 45 minutes, the teams went into the break level with goals from Timber and Karl. In the second half, Arsenal turned the game on it's head, dominating in every area. Bayern were unable to impose themselves on the game as the hosts dealt Kompany's side their first defeat of the season with additional goals from Madueke and Martinelli is an eight minute spell.

© BEN STANSALL

Full-time

90'

+ 2

Over!

The ball lands at Kim, but the Bayern defender leans back and fires over from just inside the penalty area.

90'

+ 1

Into stoppage time

The fourth official has signalled four additional minutes.

90'

Late chance

Kim concedes a free-kick in a dangerous position. Rice plays the ball towards the far post, where it's met by the head of Calafiori but Neuer is there to make the save.

85'

Few chances

Bayern have registered just one shot on target in the second half.

82'

Triple change

Kompany makes a triple change with Kim, Goretzka and Guerreiro entering the fray, but it's going to take a monumental task to take anything here.

81'

Substitution

Minjae Kim

Dayot Upamecano

81'

Substitution

Leon Goretzka

Joshua Kimmich

81'

Substitution

Raphaël Guerreiro

Lennart Karl

80'

Substitution

Ben White

Jurrien Timber

80'

Substitution

Martin Ødegaard

Eberechi Eze

80'

Yellow card

Mikel Merino

It's three!

On the counter-attack! One ball over the top from Eze finds Martinelli, who takes the ball around the onrushing Neuer with one touch before advancing forward and putting the ball into an empty net.

© IMAGO/Eibner-Pressefoto/Marcel von Fehrn

77'

Gabriel Martinelli

GOAL!

3:1

75'

Final 15

Bayern have struggled in the second half, with Arsenal out shooting the Bundesliga leaders 7:2 since the break. Kane has struggled to impose himself on the game with the visitors struggling to advance into the final third.

72'

Double substitution

Kompany responds with the introduction of Jackson and Bischof, in place of Gnabry and Laimer.

72'

Substitution

Nicolas Jackson

Serge Gnabry

72'

Substitution

Tom Bischof

Konrad Laimer

Arsenal lead!

Rice wins the ball back in midfield before advancing and finding Eze, who in turns plays the ball into the path of the overlapping Calafiori. The Italian defender whips a wicked cross into the path of Madueke, who fires the ball past Neuer.

© Richard Heathcote

70'

Noni Madueke

GOAL!

2:1

68'

Double change

It's a double change for the hosts as they look for a second goal. Bayern will be aware of the pace that Martinelli possesses.

68'

Substitution

Riccardo Calafiori

Myles Lewis-Skelly

68'

Substitution

Gabriel Martinelli

Bukayo Saka

65'

Olise dangerous

The Frenchman travels with the ball into the Arsenal penalty area, where he gets to the byline but his cross is blocked.

62'

What a save!

Rice progresses the ball into the penalty area before firing a low left-footed shot which is saved by Neuer. The ball rebounds into a central position, and Laimer makes an incredible block to stop the ball from getting to Saka.

59'

Both coaches booked

That's both Arteta and Kompany now in the referees notebook.

59'

Yellow card

Vincent Kompany

58'

Merino again!

It's another well worked Arsenal corner routine. This time it's Rice that plays the ball in from the left. Merino gets a run on his marker, but heads the ball just wide.

Karl!

The ball is straight down the other end, where Karl progresses the ball into the penalty area, but his weak shot is saved by Raya.

© BEN STANSALL

55'

Chance!

Bayern clear Arsenal's corner, but Saka finds the ball at his feet in the half-space. On his favoured left, he whips in a ball towards the far post which is met by the head of Merino, who is unmarked, but Neuer is on hand to collect the ball.

53'

Free-kick

Olise progresses the ball from inside his own half, drawing a foul from Zubimendi in a central position. The resulting free-kick is taken by Kimmich, but it's a wasted opportunity.

51'

Successive corners

It's another Arsenal corner kick routine which is taken by Saka, who places the ball under Neuer's crossbar. Merino rose above Tah but was unable to get a clean connection on the ball, allowing Bayern to clear. Crisis averted.

48'

Corner kick

The resulting corner kick is played short by Saka, which eventually amounts to nothing.

48'

Let off

Bayern dominate possession but lose the ball in a dangerous area. Kimmich's clearance only goes as far as Saka, who is in acres of space. The Englishman bides his time before forcing Neuer into a fingertip save.

46'

Here we go!

The ball is rolling as Arsenal get the action under way.

Kick-off!

1:12

Watch: Kimmich and Gnabry visit oncology ward at Haunerschen children's hospital in Munich

Half-time: Arsenal 1-1 Bayern Munich

A high-octane half of football comes to an end. After Bayern's dominance in the opening exchanges, it was Arsenal that took the lead through Timber. The Dutchman headed his side into a 1-0 lead, but Bayern responded well. Karl was rewarded for his performance, firing in his team's equaliser from Gnabry's cross. Stanišić then spurned an excellent opportunity as both teams go into the break level.

© IMAGO/Bernd Feil/M.i.S.

Half-time

45'

+ 1

Into stoppage time

The fourth official has signalled three additional minutes at the end of the half.

45'

Scramble

Olise has been quiet tonight, but the Frenchman nearly had a hand in a goal there. Advancing the ball into the penalty area, Kane had an opportunity to shoot but Saliba was on hand, although the Arsenal defender fired his clearance against Zubimendi, which could have gone anywhere but Raya was alert and smothered the ball.

43'

Another card

Laimer is the second Bayern player in the book, for a foul on Saka. Arsenal manager Arteta was also booked for his reaction.

43'

Yellow card

Mikel Arteta

43'

Yellow card

Konrad Laimer

41'

Slower tempo

Arsenal are looking to take the sting out of the game, passing the ball around their defensive third before Raya plays the ball long for Eze, but Bayern are alert to the danger.

38'

First change

Arteta is forced into a change with Trossard down injured. Madueke replaces the Belgian attacker.

38'

Substitution

Noni Madueke

Leandro Trossard

36'

Bayern chance!

It's straight down the other end for another Bayern opportunity. This time it's Tah with the diagonal ball into the path of Stanišić who's in acres of space but the Bayern defender takes on the shot, which is dragged wide.

35'

What a tackle!

This is end-to-end stuff here. Saka has an excellent opportunity to regain Arsenal's lead, but Gnabry, of all people, is on hand to get a foot on the ball to halt the Englishman.

Wow!

There it is! Bayern find their equaliser. Kimmich plays a superb cross-field ball into the path of Gnabry, who plays the ball first time across Arsenal's six-yard box and it's Karl who's their to fire in the equaliser. What an incredible moment for the youngster!

© Richard Heathcote

31'

Lennart Karl

GOAL!

1:1

31'

What a chance!

Eze brings the ball down with a magnificent first touch before nutmegging Upamecano to find Merino. The Spaniard plays the ball back into Eze, but he's unable to test Neuer, instead opting to look for Saka instead of shooting. A huge wake up call for Bayern.

26'

Can Bayern respond?

That's the first time Bayern have gone behind in this season's Champions League. After dominating the early exchanges, they're unable to get a hold of the ball at the moment.

23'

First caution

Upamecano is the first player into the referees notebook for a foul on Mosquera. The Frenchman lost the ball before a rash challenge on the Arsenal defender.

23'

Yellow card

Dayot Upamecano

Arsenal lead!

Saka whips in a corner with pace, which is met by the head of Timber, who heads the hosts in front. There was initial complaints as Neuer thought he was impeded, but the referee saw no reason to disallow the goal.

© IMAGO/Matt Impey/Shutterstock

22'

Jurrien Timber

GOAL!

1:0

22'

One end to another

From a Bayern set piece at one end, to an Arsenal corner at the other. Zubimendi wins a corner off Laimer.

18'

Set piece

Olise draws a foul from Lewis-Skelly, who brings the Frenchman down after holding his shirt. Kimmich takes the resulting free-kick from Bayern's right, but it's a poor delivery which allows Merino to head clear.

15'

Sweeper keeper

Raya plays a long ball over the top into the path of Saka, but Neuer senses the danger. He comes racing out of his penalty area to head the ball away, and accidently catches the Arsenal man in the process. Saka is currently receiving treatment but will return.

12'

Kane watch

The Englishman, as he so often does, drops into midfield alongside Kimmich and Pavlović which allows Gnabry and Olise to take up central attacking positions. Kane hasn't been able to find his passing range just yet, but we know what he's capable of from a deeper position.

8'

Offside

Merino plays a ball over the top to Trossard who forces a save from Neuer. It then results in another two attempts from Zubimendi and Trossard, but the referee eventually blows for an offside on the original attempt.

Keeping tabs

Laimer is tasked with man-marking Saka. The Bayern defender follows the Arsenal man from one flank to another.

© Richard Heathcote

5'

First chance!

Rice takes the resulting free-kick, which is met by the head of Saliba, but Bayern are organised and keep their high line.

4'

First set piece

Tah goes in too hard on Eze, giving a free-kick away in a dangerous position. Bayern defend their box on the 18-yard line.

2'

Promising start

Karl is already showcasing his confidence. Operating in a central position, he switches the ball out to Gnabry on the left as Bayern look to control possession in the opening exchanges.

1'

We're under way!

Bayern get the ball rolling at the Emirates. What a night we have in store.

Kick-off!

Kick-off approaching

We're just minutes away from a ball being kicked as the teams make their way out of the tunnel.

Karl in focus

The teenage sensation is enjoying a breakout campaign at Bayern Munich this season. The youngster was an unused substitute against Chelsea and PSG, and will relish the opportunity to play under the lights at the Emirates tonight having scored his first Champions League goal against Club Brugge on Matchday 3.

© IMAGO/Eibner-Pressefoto/Jenni Maul

Goalscoring form

Kane is level with Haaland and Mbappé with five goals in four Champions League games this season. Only Galatasaray's Osimhen (six) has more. The Englishman has also scored against English opposition in this season's competition, netting a brace against Chelsea on Matchday 1.

© Maja Hitij

Under the lights

Bayern will look to maintain their winning start to this season's Champions League, having beaten PSG in their last outing.

© IMAGO/BEAUTIFUL SPORTS/Goldberg

More on those teams

Kompany has made three changes to the team that beat Freiburg 6-2 at the weekend. Gnabry replaces the suspended Díaz. Kimmich and Laimer come in for Goretzka and Bischof. Arteta has made one change to the team that beat Tottenham with Lewis-Skelly replacing Calafiori.

© Alexander Hassenstein

Arsenal starting XI

Raya, Timber, Saliba, Mosquera, Lewis-Skelly, Zubimendi, Rice, Eze, Saka, Merino, Trossard

Arsenal subs

Arrizabalaga, Setford, White, Hincapié, Ødegaard, Martinelli, Nørgaard, Madueke, Nwaneri, Calafiori

Bayern starting XI

Neuer, Laimer, Upamecano, Tah, Stanišić, Kimmich, Pavlović, Karl, Olise, Gnabry, Kane

Bayern subs

Ulreich, Urbig, Kim, Goretzka, Jackson, Bischof, Ito, Guerreiro, Boey, Mike

An ominous omen?

Ahead of tonight's game of the night, the youth teams of both clubs faced off in the UEFA Youth League. Despite Bayern taking an early lead, Arsenal eventually came out as 4-2 winners. If tonight's game is anything similar, then it seems we are guaranteed goals.

4:01

Watch: Unplayable Olise doing Robben things

Michael Olise's performances for Bayern have rightfully drawn comparisons with Dutch legend Arjen Robben, who Arsenal fans know all too well.

2:24

Watch: Kompany & Kane preview Arsenal

Lukas staying neutral

The striker who scored 15 Bundesliga goals for Bayern between 2006 and 2009, before playing in North London from 2012 to 2015, said: “Obviously, I'm hoping for a draw, as I like both teams. That could well happen, as both are in top form."

Podolski's memories of both clubs

Former Germany legend Lukas Podolski, who had spells at both clubs, told Bayern's website: “It was always my dream to play in the Premier League. When Arsène Wenger called me, I was playing for Cologne. I said straight away: ‘I have to do this’. Arsenal are an absolute top team and the club is run like a family. Bayern are of course in a different league when it comes to titles."

© Koji Watanabe/Getty Images

Kane open to longer Bayern stay

The striker addressed speculation on his future in the pre-match press conference, saying: "With the way we are right now and the way we're playing, I feel like we're one of the best teams in Europe. So I don't look at any other team and feel I want to go there to improve. I've got 18 months left on my contract, and I'm sure there'll be some discussions over the next couple of months on the future and on what Bayern want to do. I'm really happy here though, and I can't see anything changing in the near future."

© IMAGO/Eibner-Pressefoto/Jenni Maul

Bayern dominant

Arsenal last beat Bayern during Matchday 3 of the 2015/16 season, but following that defeat, Bayern won the three subsequent fixtures between the two sides 5-1.

© Graham Chadwick/ANL/Shutterstock via www.imago-images.de

The previous meeting

These two sides last met in the Champions League quarter-finals during the 2023/24 season. The first leg finished 2-2 at the Emirates before Kimmich scored the only goal in the second leg to win the tie 3-2.

© IMAGO/Michael Zemanek/Shutterstock

Vincent Kompany on Arteta's Arsenal

"When I look at how Mikel has developed his team and developed himself, they play with great physicality. He works with great attention to detail with his teams, which have very few weaknesses. That's Arteta's character. He's played a major role at Arsenal, and everything I'm saying now is what I said before when I brought Burnley here. He was a significant part of the coaching team [at Manchester City]. Pep Guardiola was the architect, and behind him were experts who provided him with feedback. Arteta was one of them. When he left, no one was surprised that he could become the manager he is now. We coaches want to win trophies, of course, but we also see how teams need to be set up and trained. Few teams defend as well in the penalty area. When it comes to set pieces, there are hardly any teams that are better organised. They've been together for a long time under Arteta, and you can see that. I'm looking forward to the challenge; we're also in a good phase."

© Imago

Harry Kane on facing Arsenal

"They've become more solid, have more experience, but they play similarly to how they did back then. Their defensive structure is better. They've gained experience in the Champions League, which has made them better and helped them grow. That's why they're in the position they are in right now. It'll be a good test for us tomorrow."

© Imago

Mikel Arteta on facing Bayern

"This is the kind of game in the competition that we want to face, and we've been very consistent in both competitions; they have been as well, and tomorrow is a great test for us to see where we are. They are in a great moment. The level of consistency they show in resource, performance, in every metric that they have, it's very, very impressive."

© Imago

Favourable H2H record

Bayern's record against Arsenal stands at eight wins and three draws in 14 European meetings and includes a run of four victories in the teams' last five encounters.

Arsenal in title-winning form

Arsenal are Bayern's closest pursuers in Europe, thanks to wins against Athletic Bilbao (2-0), Olympiacos (2-0), Atlético Madrid (4-0) and Slavia Prague (3-0). The North Londoners - 4-1 derby winners over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday - also lead the way at the top of the English Premier League, with a six-point cushion on second-placed Chelsea. Unlike Bayern, however, Mikel Arteta's title hopefuls have suffered one defeat, losing 1-0 to defending champions Liverpool on 31 August. They've also drawn two of 12 league games.

© Imago

Perfect start

Bayern recorded a statement 2-1 win away to holders Paris Saint-Germain in their most recent Champions League outing. They've also taken care of business against FIFA Club World Cup champions Chelsea (3-1), Pafos (5-1) and Club Brugge (4-0) to go top of the league-phase table on goal difference. Games with Sporting, Union St-Gilloise and PSV Eindhoven follow the trip to Arsenal.

© IMAGO/Mustafa Yalcin

2:03

Bayern 6-2 Freiburg - highlights

Bayern recovered from two early goals down to hammer Freiburg on Saturday, with Michael Olise scoring a brace and registering a hat-trick of assists. Six points clear at the top of the Bundesliga, top of the Champions League league-phase standings and through to the DFB Cup last 16, Vincent Kompany's side are now unbeaten in 18 competitive matches so far this season, winning 17. They also kicked off 2025/26 by beating DFB Cup holders VfB Stuttgart in the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup.

Welcome!

Welcome along and thanks for joining us for build-up and live coverage of Bayern Munich's Champions League encounter away at Arsenal on Matchday 5 of the league phase, which kicks off at 9pm CET on Wednesday.

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