It’s the top match of the 5th Champions League matchday: FC Bayern takes on FC Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium – a true clash of giants between the Premier League leaders and the Bundesliga leaders. Both teams go into the match with an unblemished record and both want to further underpin their dominance in the top flight. Excitement, quality and history – this clash combines everything that makes the Champions League so special.
Arsenal and Bayern have each won their first four matches, making them two of the strongest teams in this Champions League season. FC Bayern are just ahead of the Londoners thanks to their superior goal difference, but the Gunners will be looking to change that in front of their home crowd. The German record champions, on the other hand, arrive with impressive form: their 2-1 win at Paris Saint-Germain was their eleventh victory in their last 15 Champions League matches.
FCB also dominate nationally, with ten wins, one draw and a goal difference of +33, Munich have the best interim record in Bundesliga history. Arsenal, on the other hand, lead the Premier League with a clear 4:1 derby win over Tottenham last weekend.
Bayern historically dominant – Arsenal without a win in years
The overall record clearly speaks for FC Bayern: eight wins, three defeats, three draws – and a goal difference of 18:4 in the last five encounters. The last Arsenal victory dates back to 2015, since then Munich have dominated. Particularly painful for the Gunners: many of the defeats were clear. In the round of 16 in 2017, they won both games 5:1. Bayern also had a clear 5:0 victory in Munich in the 2015 group stage.
One man who has regularly hurt Arsenal is Harry Kane. The former Tottenham captain scores like an assembly line against his favourite opponents: 15 goals in 21 duels, plus six goals at the Emirates Stadium – more than any other visiting striker. Kane also contributed a goal in Bayern’s last appearance in London in a 2-2 draw.
Attacking power vs. defensive bulwark – a real character match
In sporting terms, two almost flawless teams will meet. In terms of the current sports betting programme, the duel between the two teams is an absolute highlight match. Arsenal are the only team in the current Champions League season without conceding a goal – and are more stable than ever before. Bayern, on the other hand, together with PSG, have the best attack in the competition: 14 goals in four games speak for the offensive power of the record champions.
Apart from Arsenal and Bayern, only the Italians of Inter Milan have an unblemished record. This means that two of the three perfect teams of the season so far will meet in London. A pointer in the battle for the top spots – and a match that will attract the highest level of attention throughout Europe.
A duel that has it all
Strength of form, history, rivalry, statistics: the clash between Arsenal and Bayern offers everything that makes a top European match. For FC Bayern, it’s about defending their lead in the table and taking the momentum from the win against Paris with them. Arsenal, on the other hand, want to prove that the English leaders are also ready to compete for the title internationally.
The evening at the Emirates promises intensity, emotion and top-class soccer. Two giants meet – both flawless, both self-confident, both ready for the next big step in the Champions League.