Arsenal Beat Bayern Munich 3-1; the Hosts Were Better Prepared

Karun Abraham

Sports Journalist

“Set-piece spark, bench impact, and a late seal. Arsenal out-muscled Bayern on a big European night.”

Dominating Win for Arsenal

Arsenal beat Bayern Munich 3-1 at the Emirates on 26 November 2025, remaining perfect in the Champions League group stage (5/5) and moving to the top of the table. Timber began the score with a header in the first half, followed by Bayern’s rookie Karl equalising just minutes later.

The second half began with the substitute players, Madueke, scoring his first goal for Arsenal. Just ten minutes later, a miss from Neuer in the midfield allowed Martinelli to score the third goal for Arsenal, ending Bayern’s unbeaten record and showing how strong the Gunners are. Want to attend such exciting matches in person? Book your UEFA Champions League tickets via 1BoxOffice for genuine tickets with multiple perks.

First Half - Timber from a corner, Karl hits back

Arsenal’s early territory paid off from a restart: Saka arced a near-post corner, and Timber glanced his header beyond Neuer for 1-0. Bayern answered through a slick right-side pattern: Kimmich’s switch found Gnabry, whose cushioned layoff released Karl to volley for 1-1. It was the first goal Arsenal conceded in this season’s competition. Halftime arrived with the game level, but the Gunners were ahead on momentum and set-piece pressure.

Second Half - Madueke’s moment, Martinelli’s clincher

Arteta’s changes shifted the dial, and on the 69’, a turnover off the ball to Arsenal in the Bayern area let Merino whip a low cross that the substitute Madueke pounced on and scored, making it 2-1 for Arsenal. Eight minutes later, Martinelli pressed and profited when Neuer misjudged a ball over the top, rounding the keeper and finishing a sprint from the midfield and a shot into the empty net for a score of 3-1, ending the game for Kompany’s Bayern.

From there, it was parking the bus for Arteta, with Rice and Zubimendi controlling the middle and the back line denying any chance for Kane to draw or even win. This is not the end for the Bavarians. Book your Bayern Munich tickets via 1BoxOffice for the best deals and reasonable prices.

Tactical Snapshot

Arsenal

• Set-piece edge: The opener came from a rehearsed corner, and subsequent deliveries kept Bayern under aerial stress.
• Bench as a weapon: Arteta’s second-half forwards changed tempo and penalty-box occupation; substitutes scored both goals.
• Midfield control: Rive/Zubimnedi throttled central routes after 2=1, forcing Bayern into lower-value wide entries.

After their previous wins, including the 3-0 against Slavi Prava, this win against the table leaders is just a cherry on top for the Gunners. Read about the Slavia Prague vs Arsenal match report here.

Bayern Munich

• Right-side access, thin payoff: The equaliser showed their best pattern of Kimmich to Gnabry to Karl, but sustained threat after the break faded.
• Costly errors vs. press: A turnover preceded 2-1; Neuer’s misread invited the 3-1.

After winning in every match, including against giants like PSG, this defeat is a bitter pill for Kompany and his men. Read about the PSG vs Bayern Munich report here to jog your memory.

Standout Performers

• Jurriern Timber (Arsenal) - Tone-setting header and authoritative defending.
• Noni Madueke (Arsenal) - Impact sub and match-tilter with the go-ahead goal.
• Gabriel Martunelli (Arsenal) - Clinched it with relentless pressing and a superb finish.
• Declan Rice (Arsenal) - Set the press height, hovered second balls, and closed the door late.
• Lennart Karl (Bayern) - Composed his first-time finish at 17, Bayern’s bright spark.

Match Ratings

Aftermath & Implications

This was a blueprint European win: set-piece proficiency, bench impact, and calm game management once ahead. Arsenal’s perfect record tightens their grip at the top and signals a squad with multiple match-winners. Now the Gunners are getting ready for their weekend EPL fixture. Book your Chelsea vs Arsenal tickets here via 1BoxOffice.

For Bayern, the tape will focus on individual errors under pressure and the need for more second-half control against elite midfields. Next, the Reds are getting ready for their Bundesliga fixture. Book your Bayern Munich vs FC St. Pauli tickets via 1BoxOffice.

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