Arsenal are set to face Bayern Munich at the Emirates this evening in a highly anticipated Champions League clash. Both teams are having an excellent season so far, with Arsenal and Bayern each winning all four of their group games and boasting a goal difference of +11. 

Europe is watching closely, as these two sides have arguably been the most impressive this season.

For Arsenal, the match is more than just another group game. It’s a chance for Mikel Arteta’s team to show how far they have come. Since returning to the Champions League in 2023 after six seasons away, Arsenal have steadily improved, reaching the quarter-finals in their comeback season and making it to the semi-finals last year.

However, history is not on Arsenal’s side when it comes to Bayern. The German club has often been a tough opponent for the Gunners. 

Arsenal have won only three of their last 14 meetings with Bayern, and it has been ten years since they last beat them in European competition. Some defeats were heavy, including three consecutive 5-1 losses between 2015 and 2017. 

Even the wins Arsenal achieved in two-legged ties didn’t always lead to overall success.

Looking at the head-to-head record, past games have been a mix of narrow wins, draws, and heavy losses: a 2-2 draw in 2000, a 1-0 Bayern win in 2001, several 2-0 and 1-0 results, but also big defeats like the 5-1 losses in 2015, 2017, and 2017 again. 

Most recently, Arsenal drew 2-2 with Bayern in April 2024 but lost the return leg 1-0.

Tonight, Arsenal face both a challenge and an opportunity. Can they overcome their historical struggles and beat Bayern at home? 

The Gunners have shown improvement and resilience under Arteta, and with the support of their fans at the Emirates, they will be eager to break the cycle of defeats and show they can compete with Europe’s best.

Fans and football lovers will be watching closely. Will Arsenal finally get a win against Bayern, or will history repeat itself? Only the 90 minutes on the pitch will tell.