Bayern Munich hosts Arsenal at the Allianz Arena on October 21, 2026, for a UEFA Champions League matchday three fixture. The German champions face selection hurdles without the suspended Michael Olise, while Arsenal arrives defending a spotless defensive record in the tournament’s league phase.
Vincent Kompany and Mikel Arteta Meet Again in Munich
Former Manchester City colleagues Vincent Kompany and Mikel Arteta reunite on the touchline as league-winning managers in Wednesday’s must-watch Champions League contest. The tactical battle brings together two managers who once worked under Pep Guardiola, representing contrasting blueprints for European success.
Arsenal arrives in Germany with a reputation for defensive organization, having conceded only seven goals in 15 Champions League games last season while starting the current league phase with consecutive clean sheets. Bayern counters with overwhelming offensive firepower, led by Harry Kane.
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The UEFA Champions League includes 36 teams, and this fixture represents a high-stakes test between two clubs that share an ambition to be champions of Europe. Vincent Kompany has been heavily influenced by Pep Guardiola, guiding his side to display a free-scoring nature that produced 122 Bundesliga goals last season, which stands as a total bettered only by the Torino team of 1947-48 in a top-five European league and represented 51 more than Arsenal scored while winning the Premier League. The Bavarians have scored 20 goals while conceding seven, and followed up consecutive draws against Augsburg and Viking with a resounding 6-1 victory against Leipzig that relieved defensive pressure. Bayern’s squad also features goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who at age 40 is confident of returning between the posts after sitting out a weekend triumph due to a foot issue.
Michael Olise Suspension Forces Squad Changes for Bayern Munich
Bayern must play the marquee fixture without winger Michael Olise, who earned a red card during a chaotic 3-3 draw against Viking FK. Olise picked up two yellow cards in two minutes, the second coming after he threw the ball at Viking’s Zlatko Tripic’s face.
Goal for Bayern Munich – scored by Davies๐ด 1-1 ๐ต (35)
Harry Kane acknowledged the severity of the setback, noting that the player’s nine goals and five assists from 10 games will leave a significant void.
Missing one of your biggest players, you’re going to feel it for sure, but that’s where other people have to step up and show they can take their opportunity.
Harry Kane, Bayern forward
With Jamal Musiala also sidelined due to a thigh problem, Kompany must reshape his lineup. Expected starting lineups list Manuel Neuer in goal behind a back four of Stanisic, Kim Minjae, Upamecano, and Davies, with Pavlovic, Laimer, Bischof, Gnabry, Saibari, and Harry Kane. Meanwhile, Christos Tzolis remains sidelined for the opposing side with an injury, and defender Kim Minjae is fine despite previously being forced off with an unspecified issue.
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Harry Kane Prepares for Familiar Foes at the Allianz Arena
For Kane, the fixture offers another chance to face an old adversary. The former Tottenham striker has faced the Gunners 22 times across his career, scoring 15 goals. Speaking ahead of kickoff, the forward emphasized the special nature of the evening.
It will be a big, tough game,
Harry Kane, goalscoring guarantee of Bayern Munich
You simply have to enjoy opportunities like this to face one of the best teams in Europe,
Harry Kane
The German side enters the match on the back of a resounding 6-1 victory over RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga, a result that eased defensive concerns following consecutive draws against Augsburg and Viking. However, history heavily favors the hosts in Munich, where Arsenal has failed to win in their last four visits. Across 15 previous head-to-head encounters in the competition prior to this meeting, the Bundesliga representatives have won eight times while Arsenal has claimed four victories alongside three draws.
Arsenal Pursues European Glory Under Mikel Arteta
The Gunners have established a commanding domestic and European presence, winning 10 of their first 11 competitive matches this term. After defeating Napoli 1-0 and Lille 3-0 in the opening league phase fixtures, Arteta’s side aims to banish the memories of past disappointments in Munich, including heavy knockout-stage defeats in prior campaigns.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference at the Allianz Arena, Arteta shared his enthusiasm for the fixture while reflecting on the team’s ongoing progression.
Well Iโm really looking forward to the game, this is the stage, this is the kind of team, this is the kind of coach, this is the kind of club, the stadium that you want to be involved in.
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager
Midfielder Declan Rice remains an indispensable anchor for the visitors, who have constructed a squad emphasizing depth and tactical discipline. The projected Arsenal starting formation lists David Raya in goal, defended by Jurriรซn Timber, Ezri Konsa, Gabriel Magalhรฃes, and Calafiori, with Declan Rice and Bruno Guimarรฃes in central midfield supporting Bukayo Saka, Martin รdegaard, Noni Madueke, and Kai Havertz. Chief executive Richard Garlick noted in the summer transfer window an ambition to bring in players capable of changing the dynamic, though key targets proved elusive before adding Christos Tzolis. Arsenal’s recent sequence includes a comfortable 3-0 victory over Lyon in gameweek two followed by a hard-fought 1-0 Premier League win over Nottingham Forest secured via a deflected strike from Noni Madueke. The match kicks off at 9 p.m. local time, broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate in the UK and Paramount+ in the US.