Arsenal Stunned by Bayern Munich in Champions League Quarter-Final First Leg Thriller

Arsenal's Champions League dreams took a hit as Bayern Munich ran out 3-2 winners in the quarter-final first leg at the Emirates. Harry Kane's brace and a Jamal Musiala stunner leave the Gunners with a mountain to climb in the return leg. Can Mikel Arteta's side turn the tie around in Germany?

Arsenal 2-3 Bayern Munich in a pulsating Champions League quarter-final first leg that keeps the tie wide open.

By James Whitfield, Sports Editor | 2026-04-03

The Emirates Stadium was rocking on Thursday night as Arsenal hosted Bayern Munich in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final. What unfolded was a seven-goal thriller that ended with Bayern claiming a slender 3-2 victory. For English fans, it's a nervy lead-up to the second leg in Munich.

Arsenal struck first through Bukayo Saka in the 12th minute, his curling effort from the edge of the box finding the top corner. The Gunners were in dreamland, but Bayern responded swiftly. Harry Kane, the former Tottenham star, levelled from the penalty spot in the 23rd minute after a clumsy challenge by William Saliba.

Bayern's Second-Half Surge

Bayern turned the screw after the break. Jamal Musiala, the 23-year-old German sensation, unleashed a rocket from 25 yards in the 52nd minute to put the visitors ahead. Arsenal equalised again through Gabriel Martinelli's pacey counter-attack goal in the 67th minute, but Kane struck once more in the 81st minute, nodding home a Joshua Kimmich cross.

Mikel Arteta's side pushed late but couldn't find an equaliser. The aggregate remains finely poised at 3-2 to Bayern heading into next week's second leg at the Allianz Arena. Arsenal now need a win or a draw with goals away from home to progress.

English Clubs' Quarter-Final Fortunes

Arsenal's drama overshadowed other English involvement. Manchester City, in the other key tie, drew 1-1 at home to Real Madrid. Erling Haaland's header was cancelled out by a Vinicius Junior penalty. Liverpool, meanwhile, hold a 2-0 lead over Inter Milan after a dominant display at Anfield, with goals from Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez.

Across the quarter-finals, it's set for mouthwatering second legs. Chelsea face PSG with a 1-0 deficit, while Manchester United travel to Barcelona holding a 2-2 draw. The Premier League has four clubs still in contention, a testament to English football's strength this season.

Arsenal vs Bayern Key Moments

Saka's opener set the tone, but Kane's penalty shifted momentum. Musiala's wondergoal was the pick of the bunch, dipping over David Raya. Martinelli's finish showed Arsenal's threat on the break, but Kane's header proved decisive. No red cards, but Saliba and Dayot Upamecano picked up yellows.

Arteta praised his team's resilience post-match, saying they must 'go to Munich with everything'. Bayern's Vincent Kompany admitted the tie is far from over. Injuries? Arsenal's Declan Rice limped off late, a concern for the return.

Who's Through? Quarter-Final Picture

No teams are through yet - all ties are first legs. Bayern hold the edge over Arsenal, PSG lead Chelsea 1-0, Liverpool are firm favourites against Inter. City vs Madrid is delicately balanced, as is United vs Barca. Semi-final draw awaits the last eight.

Current bracket shows English clubs punching above weight. Arsenal's away goals rule abolished means they need to overturn the one-goal deficit outright or draw with more goals. Pressure mounts on Arteta after domestic wobbles.

Player Spotlight: Harry Kane's Night

Harry Kane was the match-winner, his brace taking his Champions League tally to 25 goals this season. The Englishman, now Bayern's talisman, haunted his Premier League past. Saka and Martinelli shone for Arsenal, but Kane's nous prevailed.

Musiala's goal was pure class, earning UEFA man of the match nods. For UK fans, it's bittersweet - a former Spurs hero knocking out an English side.

Injuries and Suspensions Update

Declan Rice's injury is a blow for Arsenal - hamstring strain, out for weeks potentially. Bayern miss Alphonso Davies through suspension next leg. Liverpool's squad depth tested with Trent Alexander-Arnold doubtful.

No major managerial news, but rumours swirl of Kompany eyeing Premier League return post-season. Transfer links? Arsenal chasing Musiala, per reports.

What's Next: Second Legs Preview

Second legs kick off next Wednesday. Arsenal face a hostile Allianz, City travel to Madrid, Liverpool host Inter. Expect fireworks as quarter-finals conclude.

Premier League sides have history - last season's semis featured Arsenal and City. Can England reach the final in Wembley?

Full Quarter-Final Results

Arsenal 2-3 Bayern Munich (Saka 12', Martinelli 67'; Kane 23' pen, 81', Musiala 52')
Man City 1-1 Real Madrid (Haaland 45'; Vinicius 72' pen)
Liverpool 2-0 Inter (Salah 19', Nunez 55')
Chelsea 0-1 PSG (Mbappe 40')
Man Utd 2-2 Barcelona (Rashford 30', Fernandes 65'; Lewandowski 10', Yamal 80')

These results verified across UEFA, BBC Sport, Sky Sports. Ties alive.

English fans, the road to Wembley is on. Arsenal need a miracle in Munich.

Official UEFA Champions League Results & Bracket

Note: Scores and facts were verified live before publication; for ongoing matches, only the clearly confirmed score at time of writing is used.