One disastrous night in Munich…

Heading into this Champions League last 16 encounter, Arsenal were looking to finally end their curse against the daunting Bayern Munich but unfortunately for the Gunners…it was to be another demolition at the hands of the Bavarian giants…

Whilst not doing as well as they would have liked in the league so far, Bayern Munich were still nevertheless strong contenders for the season-ending Champions League final but first they would have to put aside Arsenal.

Arsenal, who had thoroughly improved since last year’s visit to Bavaria (5-1 loss in Group Stage), were hoping that this time they could go one step better against their feared nemeses.

It was no surprise at all that Bayern Munich would have the lion’s share of the ball and they finally made it count as Arjen Robben produced a moment of absolute brilliance, he cut inside before unleashing an unstoppable shot past David Ospina to light up the Allianz Arena.

Arsenal were then given a lifeline of hope as Robert Lewandowski not only gifted the Gunners a penalty but a clear-cut chance to grab a vital away goal. Up stepped Alexis Sanchez…SAVED BY NEUER…blocked on the REBOUND and then third time LUCKY for it was who else but Alexis Sanchez to keep Arsenal in the tie. GOAAAAAAAL!

Alexis Sanchez celebrates after scoring Arsenal’s vital away goal

Ozil could have put Arsenal in front just before half-time but forced a solid save through his compatriot Manuel Neuer as both teams headed for the tunnels at half-time, with Arsenal the happy of the two sides. 1-1.

Early in the second period, Arsenal controversially lost their main defender Laurent Koscielny through injury…and from that point on, Arsenal collapsed.

Three goals in 10 minutes (Thiago 2, Lewandowski) completely rocked Arsenal as Bayern suddenly began to take control with an unassailable 4-1 lead. Arsenal had Ospina to thank as he made two VERY good saves from Javi Martinez and Arturo Vidal…I mean what would have been the scoreline if Ospina wasn’t there. 7-1 at the least!

Photograph; Getty images  Robert Lewandowski’s powerful header gives Bayern the lead

Substitute Thomas Muller ended his goal drought by scoring late on from close-range to add further miseries to the Gunners.

When both teams return to the Emirates in a few weeks or so, Arsenal will surely be in need of a Champions League miracle if they are to overturn a four-goal deficit…

 

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