It feels like advantage for Bayern Munich after a hard-fought draw at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal. While Bukayo Saka (16’) gave Arsenal the lead Bayern first equalized thanks to a Serge Gnabry goal (18’) and then took the lead thanks to a Harry Kane penalty (32’). Leandro Trossard scored the final goal to make it 2-2 (76’).
Both sides walked away from the game that they should have been awarded an extra penalty. In the dying moments of the match, Saka broke into the box, sought contact with Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer, and went down. Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg didn’t even consult VAR and ended the game.
Although it appeared that Saka left his leg out, a case for a penalty could have been made. At the very least, the referee should have taken a second look, even if it wasn’t a clear and obvious error not to award the penalty. Bayern, however, should have definitely received a second penalty in the 66th minute when they were up 2-1 after defender Gabriel picked up a ball passed to him by his goalkeeper David Raya. Not surprisingly, Bayern players and head coach Thomas Tuchel quickly deflected to that situation in the 66th minute when they were confronted post-game with the supposed foul on Saka.
“The referee made a huge mistake,” Tuchel said after the game. “I know it was a crazy situation. They put the ball down, the referee whistles, and the defender takes the ball with his hands. What makes us really angry is the explanation on the pitch. He told our players it was a ‘kid’s mistake’ and he won’t give a penalty for that in a Champions League quarterfinal. It’s a horrible, horrible explanation. Kid’s mistake, adult’s mistake, whatever – we feel angry because it was a huge decision against us.”
Bayern director for sport Max Eberl was also baffled by the referee’s decision. “So the referee blows his whistle, the goalkeeper passes the ball to the defender, who takes it with his hand, that’s a penalty,” Eberl said post game. “And then the referee’s statement, well, he said I can’t give such a penalty in the quarter-finals. Excuse me. It’s not my fault, it’s not our fault.”
Kane, in the meantime, was also quick to deflect from the Saka situation, pointing out Nyberg’s missed call in the 66th minute. Bayern was then denied another penalty when Martin Ødegaard wrestled the English striker to the ground shortly after the non-handball call. Former German referee Manuel Gräfe called that decision “borderline” on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Indeed, the controversy surrounding the game might suit Bayern just well. After back-to-back defeats in the Bundesliga, Bayern is set to lose the Bundesliga title to Leverkusen as early as next weekend.
Also out of the DFB Pokal, the Champions League is, therefore, the final title opportunity for the Munich-based giants. And it showed on Tuesday against Arsenal. For many, the Premier League side was the clear favorite going into the tie, especially given Bayern’s recent performances in the Bundesliga.
This is, however, still ‘big game Bayern.’ In fact, you could almost see the Bavarians relishing being the underdogs in this game. Tuchel set Bayern up perfectly, playing defensive football with Kane almost acting like a playmaker and relying on the speed provided by Leroy Sané and Gnabry to hit Arsenal on the break.
“You’re never happy when you don’t win, but Arsenal have shown they’re a really strong team at home, so it’s one we take in our stride,” Kane said after the game. “Our fans can make a difference. We’ve taken a small step, and we’ve got a big game next week.”
The return leg next week in Munich will indeed be a fascinating encounter. With a simple win Bayern would now advance and fight off the possibility for a first titleless season since 2012.
While Bayern is now undoubtedly the favorite to advance, some questions remain. First and foremost, will it even suit Bayern to go into the return leg as a favorite? A big part of Tuchel’s match plan this week was to hand over possession to Arsenal and hit them on the counter. That plan worked, as Arsenal had 59% possession, but Bayern was more dangerous on the break. But can that same plan also work in Munich?
Bayern fans have the expectations of seeing their side dominate. But for their club to advance, they will have to once again play like an underdog, and that’s going to be a significant test for a Bayern side turned all of a sudden favorites in a tightly contested Champions League clash.
Manuel Veth is the host of the Bundesliga Gegenpressing Podcast and the Area Manager USA at Transfermarkt. He has also been published in the Guardian, Newsweek, Howler, Pro Soccer USA, and several other outlets. Follow him on Twitter: @ManuelVeth and on Threads: @manuveth