Football Review | Bayern Munich 3 - 2 Arsenal

Another defeat for Arsenal in what has been an inconsistent season

Their defence of the Women’s Champions League title took a major blow as they surrendered a two-goal lead to fall to a dramatic defeat against Bayern Munich.

Author | DJ

Stadium | Allianz Arena

The opening half was far from vintage, yet Arsenal were largely untroubled as Bayern struggled to find any rhythm. The hosts’ high press forced a string of errors from the German champions, who looked disjointed and rarely broke beyond halfway.

A misplaced pass handed Mariona Caldentey the chance to open the scoring, and Arsenal might have extended their advantage as Stina Blackstenius struck the crossbar before steering another effort wide.

Bayern’s second-half changes transformed the contest.

Sehitler’s goal ignited belief and shifted the momentum, with Klara Bühl increasingly dangerous down the left. Arsenal, previously in control, began to unravel.

While Bayern’s substitutions made the difference, those introduced by Renee Slegers failed to steady the Gunners and instead disrupted their rhythm further. Defensive lapses and a lack of composure proved costly as Bayern turned the game on its head, extending their unbeaten run in home group-stage matches to 14.

Elsewhere in the competition

European Super Football | Women's Champions League | Sam Kerr scores twice for Chelsea as they thrash St Poltenhttps://t.co/obnC1SokNP

— European Super Football (@ESFootballNews) November 12, 2025

The manner of the collapse will concern Slegers, whose side have struggled to find consistency throughout an uneven campaign. The defeat leaves Arsenal facing an uphill task to secure one of the four automatic qualification spots.

They now need victories over Real Madrid, Twente and Oud-Heverlee Leuven to keep their hopes of progression alive.

Domestically, Arsenal sit fourth in the Women’s Super League, six points adrift of Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United. If they are to return to Europe’s top competition next season, marked improvement in both performances and results will be essential.

Next up for Arsenal

Arsenal will take on north London rivals Tottenham at Brisbane Road on Sunday 16 November in the Women’s Super League, before returning to European action with a home clash against Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday 19 November.