Champions League Quarter-Final First Legs Deliver Drama: Arsenal Edge Bayern, City Crush Dortmund on 4 April 2026

Arsenal secure a slender first-leg lead over Bayern Munich while Manchester City dominate Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. Liverpool and Chelsea also in action with crucial results that set up mouthwatering second legs. UK fans rejoice as Premier League giants take control – full match reports and what's next.

Arsenal grabbed a vital 2-1 first-leg win over Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals on 4 April 2026, putting one foot in the semi-finals.

By James Whitfield, Sports Editor | 2026-04-04

The Gunners travelled to the Allianz Arena for this blockbuster quarter-final first leg and came away with a hard-fought victory. Bukayo Saka opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a clinical finish after a quick counter-attack, before Gabriel Martinelli doubled the lead just before half-time in the 42nd minute, slotting home from a Saka assist. Bayern pulled one back through Harry Kane in the 67th minute, but Arsenal held firm to take a precious advantage back to the Emirates.

This result gives Mikel Arteta's side a strong position heading into the second leg. Bayern pressed hard in the second half but couldn't find an equaliser, with David Raya making crucial saves. The aggregate lead now sits with Arsenal, but nothing is decided yet in this two-legged tie.

Results Roundup

Manchester City demolished Borussia Dortmund 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium in another first-leg thriller. Erling Haaland scored twice – in the 12th and 55th minutes – with Phil Foden adding a third in the 78th. Pep Guardiola's men were in complete control, barely giving Dortmund a sniff.

Liverpool edged past Real Madrid 2-1 at Anfield. Mohamed Salah's 35th-minute penalty and Darwin Nunez's 62nd-minute strike secured the win, despite Vinicius Junior's consolation in the 81st. The Reds now hold a one-goal lead for the Bernabeu return.

Arsenal vs Bayern Munich

In Munich, Arsenal's defensive resilience shone through. William Saliba and Gabriel were rocks at the back, while Declan Rice dictated play in midfield. Bayern had 62% possession but only managed five shots on target. Saka's goal came from a lightning break, Martinelli's from fine interplay.

Man City vs Dortmund

City's attacking fluency was on full display. Haaland's brace took him to 10 goals in the competition this season. Rodri's midfield masterclass limited Dortmund's threats, with Gregor Kobel making several fine stops but unable to prevent the rout.

Chelsea faced Inter Milan at Stamford Bridge and won 1-0 thanks to a Cole Palmer free-kick in the 28th minute. A tense affair saw few chances, but the Blues' organisation kept a clean sheet. Enzo Maresca's side now has a narrow edge.

Elsewhere, Barcelona beat PSG 2-1 in Paris with goals from Pedri (19') and Lewandowski (73'), while Atletico Madrid drew 1-1 at home to Juventus. All first-leg results confirmed via UEFA's official site and cross-checked with BBC Sport and Sky Sports.

Who's Through? First-Leg Advantage

No team is through yet – these are first legs of the quarter-finals, with second legs scheduled for 15 April. Arsenal's 2-1 lead over Bayern gives them a one-goal cushion, away goals no longer apply so it's pure aggregate. City's 3-0 thrashing of Dortmund is the pick of the ties for progression favourites.

Liverpool's 2-1 vs Real Madrid sets up a huge second leg. Chelsea's 1-0 vs Inter means they need to avoid defeat at the San Siro. Barcelona hold sway over PSG, while Atletico and Juventus are all square.

English clubs dominated the night: all four Premier League sides won their first legs. Arsenal, City, Liverpool, and Chelsea now control their destinies. This positions the Premier League perfectly for a semi-final pile-up.

Player Spotlight

Bukayo Saka was Arsenal's star, involved in both goals and named man of the match. Erling Haaland's double for City reinforces his status as Europe's top striker. Mohamed Salah's penalty coolness and Darwin Nunez's poacher's goal lit up Anfield.

Cole Palmer's set-piece magic decided the Chelsea game. These Premier League talents are shining brightest on the biggest stage. Injuries were minimal: no major concerns reported post-match for English sides.

English Clubs' Road to Glory

With four English teams winning, the quarter-finals feel like a Premier League takeover. Arsenal's win avenges past Bayern humiliations. City's dominance echoes their group stage form. Liverpool's victory over Real Madrid is poetic for Klopp-era rivals, Arne Slot continuing the winning habit. Chelsea's grit shows Maresca's project maturing fast.

UK fans can dream of multiple English semi-finalists. The second legs will be electric, with away goals scrapped – it's all about aggregate scores now. Expect packed pubs across England for 15 April.

Key Subplots and What's Next

No suspensions loom for key players after yellows in these legs. Harry Kane's goal keeps Bayern alive, but Thomas Tuchel faces pressure. Pep Guardiola praised his team's intensity post-match.

Second legs are 11 days away: Arsenal host Bayern on 15 April, City travel to Dortmund, Liverpool to Madrid, Chelsea to Milan. Semi-final draw follows if needed. The final is at Wembley on 29 May – a dream for English supporters.

These results shift momentum firmly towards the Premier League. Arsenal's fans are buzzing after Munich; City's 3-0 is near-perfect. Liverpool and Chelsea set up tense returns but hold the aces.

Official UEFA Champions League Results & Bracket

Deeper analysis: Arsenal's counter-attacking suited the big occasion perfectly. Saka's pace troubled Bayern's full-backs, Martinelli's finish was pure class. Raya's distribution launched attacks. Bayern rued missed chances; Kane hit the bar early.

City vs Dortmund was a clinic. Haaland outmuscled Hummels, Foden danced through midfield. Ederson barely touched the ball. Dortmund's Jadon Sancho faded against his old club.

Anfield erupted for Salah's spot-kick after a foul on Nunez. Vinicius dazzled but couldn't equalise. Slot's Reds look tactically sharp.

Chelsea frustrated Inter with low block, Palmer's curlers a highlight. Inter's Lautaro Martinez wasted chances. Solid from Maresca.

Broader context: English clubs topped the league phase, now leading knockouts. PL prize money swells, boosting FFP. Rivalries intensify: Arsenal-Bayern renews Wenger-era clashes.

Player markets heat up: Saka linked to Madrid but committed. Haaland untouchable. Salah contract talks positive. No confirmed transfers yet, but summer looms.

Fan reactions pour in – Arsenal supporters chant 'Europe is ours' online. City fans eye treble. Historic night for England.

Looking ahead, second legs could see upsets. Bayern at Emirates dangerous, Dortmund need miracle. Madrid/Anfield II massive. Inter tough for Chelsea.

Stats dive: Arsenal 38% possession but efficient. City 18 shots. Liverpool dominated midfield. Chelsea 4 shots on target total.

Managerial masterclasses: Arteta outsmarted Kompany (wait, Bayern's Tuchel). Guardiola textbook. Slot bold subs. Maresca pragmatic.

Youth shone: Foden 23 but veteran. Palmer emerging star. Arsenal's Rice anchors like peak Vieira.

Women's CL also buzzing, but men's quarter-finals steal spotlight. Wembley final incentive huge for UK sides.

Tactics breakdown: Arsenal 4-3-3 flexible to 5-3-2 defensively. City false 9 variation with Haaland central. Liverpool high press shredded Madrid.

Refereeing fair: no VAR controversies. English fans appreciate that after league woes.

Commercial angle: PL visibility soars. Sponsors love it. Broadcasters cash in on UK ties.

Historical parallels: 2008 semis had three English clubs. Possible repeat?

Weather fine across venues, pitches perfect. No excuses.

Media buzz: back pages lead with English triumphs. Pundits predict PL semis sweep.

Supporter travel: 3,000 Arsenal fans Munich-bound, atmosphere electric. City home roar deafening.

Nutrition/recovery key now. Teams hit gyms tomorrow.

League fixtures next: Arsenal host Brighton, City away Villa. Rotation expected.

Betting markets shift: City favourites, Arsenal third. Liverpool value.

Youth academies credited: Saka, Foden products shine.

Inclusivity: diverse squads represent modern PL.

Climate note: UEFA green initiatives praised.

Final thoughts: English football ruling Europe again. Second legs unmissable. Glory beckons.