Arsenal Triumphs Over Bayern Munich 3-2 in UEFA Women’s Champions League Match

In a thrilling turn of events, Arsenal‘s interim head coach Renee Slegers has projected confidence that her team can make a deep run in the Champions League following their dramatic comeback against Bayern Munich.

A late penalty converted by Mariona Caldentey propelled the Gunners into the quarter-finals, solidifying their position as Group C winners in what was a pulsating clash against the illustrious Bayern Munich side.

Entering the contest with the imperative of securing victory to claim top spot in the group, Arsenal played at Meadow Park rather than the Emirates Stadium due to a scheduling conflict with the men’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace.

The match brought a rollercoaster of emotions as Arsenal found themselves trailing but rallied in the second half, with Spain international Caldentey restoring parity before stepping up to convert the decisive spot-kick in the 86th minute, awarded after a goalbound effort was handled by Bayern’s defender Tuva Hansen.

When pressed by DAZN about the team’s aspirations, Slegers asserted: “We need to have that belief and we have that belief, especially after today.

“There are things we can do better in the game, but it was the same against Liverpool. We don’t play our best game but still we found ways to win and that is a sign of a top team.

“The eight teams that are going through will be top, top teams. It’s positive to see how women’s football has grown and the football being played.”

Arsenal initially took the lead thanks to an unfortunate own goal from Glodis Viggosdottir, who inadvertently diverted Caitlin Foord’s tantalizing corner into her own net. However, the German champions struck back swiftly, with Magdalena Eriksson equalizing from a well-executed corner routine.

In a twist of fate, Bayern almost found themselves victims of yet another own goal, with Sarah Zadrazil’s mishap clearing Foord’s cross kissing off the crossbar instead of nestling into the net.

After a lengthy wait of over 18 months for a goal, former Chelsea defender Eriksson found the back of the net for Bayern, nudging Giulia Gwinn’s free-kick past the draw in what seemed a formidable position for the visitors.

However, Arsenal responded magnificently, with Katie McCabe’s corner setting the stage for Alessia Russo, who delivered a sumptuous volley to equalize just a minute later, marking her fourth Champions League goal this season.

With this victory, the Gunners finished 2024 on a high note, amassing ten wins from Slegers’ eleven games at the helm.

Reflecting on the switch to Meadow Park, Slegers opined: “It’s so intimate playing here because you are so close to the fans.

“It felt like a home game definitely. The pitch was much smaller. We feel good playing here, we feel comfortable and it was a good performance.”

Having avenged their earlier 5-2 defeat to Bayern in October, Arsenal now awaits the draw for their last-eight opponents on February 7, with anticipation building for what lies ahead.

Following a tumultuous opening phase to the season that left Arsenal in disarray and led to Jonas Eidevall’s departure, interim manager Slegers has remarkably transformed the Gunners’ fortunes.

Her stewardship has galvanized the team, leading to a superb run of nine wins from the last ten outings, including five in the Champions League—a testament to her tactical acumen and ability to inspire confidence.

The Gunners endured a crushing 5-2 setback at the hands of Bayern in their opening group stage fixture, a defeat that left their European aspirations hanging in the balance until Slegers stepped in as a stabilizing force.

Wednesday’s resounding victory over Bayern has firmly established Arsenal as serious contenders for their second Champions League title, marking their advancement to the quarter-finals for an illustrious 16th time—a joint-record that speaks volumes about their pedigree.

Bayern’s coach Alexander Straus reflected on the challenge posed by Arsenal, stating to DAZN: “Coming and playing away at Arsenal and conceding the goals like we did today is very hard. We are human beings, we make mistakes.

“We should at least get a draw here today based on our performance. The girls really wanted to win this game because it is pride, and it’s what we play for every time. Today we didn’t have luck on our side. It was very even between two good teams.”

With five consecutive victories in the Champions League, Arsenal remain unbeaten under Slegers, forging a formidable momentum heading into their winter break. The club’s hierarchy faces a pivotal decision regarding the appointment of a permanent manager, with Slegers making a compelling case for herself in this interim period.