Arsenal 3-1 FC Bayern München: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Coral’s post-match review of Arsenal 3-1 FC Bayern München in the Champions League on Wednesday, 26 November 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Arsenal got off to a strong start at the Emirates, taking the lead in the 22nd minute when J. Timber found the net to make it 1-0. FC Bayern München fought back though, equalising ten minutes later through L. Karl in the 32nd to level things at 1-1. Arsenal were forced into a substitution around the 38th minute, with N. Madueke coming on for L. Trossard, but the first half ended without further goals despite some pressure from both sides.

The second half saw Arsenal ramp up the intensity, and after a double substitution in the 68th minute where G. Martinelli replaced B. Saka and R. Calafiori came on for M. Lewis-Skelly. Calafiori made an instant impact they grabbed the lead again crossing for N. Madueke to score in the 69th. G. Martinelli then sealed the win with a third for Arsenal in the 77th minute, making it 3-1. Late changes for both teams, including Arsenal bringing on B. White for J. Timber and M. Odegaard for E. Eze at 80 minutes, and Bayern making a triple switch at 81 minutes with L. Goretzka replacing J. Kimmich, R. Guerreiro for L. Karl, and Kim Min-Jae for D. Upamecano, couldn’t change the outcome as Arsenal held firm.

Arsenal may have had just 40% possession compared to Bayern’s 60%, but they made it count with more corners at 6-1 and turned that into goals, showing how they were clinical on the counter despite Bayern dominating the ball. Successful dribbles favoured Bayern at 58-33, which highlights their ability to break lines, but Arsenal’s three assists to Bayern’s one underline the quality of their build-up for those crucial strikes. Both sides picked up two yellow cards each, keeping things feisty without any reds, and with five substitutions apiece – like Arsenal’s timely changes at 68 and 80 minutes bringing on fresh legs such as G. Martinelli and M. Odegaard – it was Arsenal who used theirs to shift momentum and secure the win.

Arsenal’s razor-sharp attack really tipped the balance in a match where Bayern’s possession didn’t translate to enough clear chances.

The game’s turning points came from those well-timed goals, starting with J. Timber’s opener at 22 minutes assisted by B. Saka to give Arsenal the edge, though L. Karl’s equaliser at 32 minutes, set up by S. Gnabry, kept Bayern in it. Arsenal’s double substitution at 68 minutes proved decisive, with G. Martinelli coming on for B. Saka and R. Calafiori replacing M. Lewis-Skelly, leading straight into N. Madueke’s goal at 69 minutes assisted by Calafiori himself. Martinelli then capped it off with his 77th-minute strike assisted by E. Eze, while yellow cards – like W. Saliba’s for Arsenal at 74 minutes and D. Upamecano’s early one for Bayern at 23 minutes – added tension but didn’t lead to any send-offs.

Bayern tried to respond with subs at 72 minutes, T. Bischof replacing K. Laimer and N. Jackson coming on for S. Gnabry, but Arsenal’s late goals ensured the hosts pulled away.

Arsenal lined up in their familiar 4-3-3 shape, with a solid backline allowing midfielders like M. Merino to push forward and support the attack. Standout partnerships included the link-up between B. Saka and J. Timber on the right, which led to the opening goal, while the front three showed good movement to exploit spaces.

FC Bayern München set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, relying on a double pivot in midfield to control possession and feed their attacking midfielders. Key roles saw S. Gnabry providing width and assists, like for L. Karl’s goal, with the defence anchored by D. Upamecano trying to hold firm against Arsenal’s counters.

Declan Rice produced a midfield masterclass, creating 3 chances and pulling the strings in the centre of the park with an impressive range of passes. His energy dictated the tempo of the game and provided a reliable foundation for his team's victory.

Recent Champions League matches:

• Win: 3-1 vs FC Bayern München (H)
• Win: 3-0 vs Slavia Praha (A)
• Win: 4-0 vs Atlético Madrid (H)
• Win: 2-0 vs Olympiacos F.C. (H)
• Win: 2-0 vs Athletic Club (A)

Recent Champions League matches:

• Loss: 1-3 vs Arsenal (A)
• Win: 2-1 vs Paris Saint Germain (A)
• Win: 4-0 vs Club Brugge (H)
• Win: 5-1 vs Pafos FC (A)
• Win: 3-1 vs Chelsea (H)

This convincing 3-1 win boosts Arsenal’s confidence, putting them at the top of the Champions League table, and showing their ability to turn games with smart subs and clinical finishing. Their next fixture is a potentially huge tie against London rivals Chelsea.

FC Bayern München will be disappointed with the 3-1 defeat despite dominating possession, as it exposes issues in converting control into goals against a resolute Arsenal side. They’ll aim to bounce back quickly against a struggling St. Pauli, tightening up defensively and making better use of their dribbling prowess in upcoming matches.

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