Arsenal extended their flawless Champions League campaign with a commanding 3-1 victory over Bayern Munich at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night, a match highlighted by Noni Madueke’s first goal for the club.
The Gunners seized the lead in the 22nd minute through Jurrien Timber’s header. However, Bayern’s 17-year-old Lennart Karl equalized in the 32nd minute, marking the first goal Arsenal conceded at home in this Champions League season.
The second half saw Arsenal’s depth come to the fore. Madueke, returning from a two-month knee injury, replaced the injured Leandro Trossard in the 38th minute. In the 69th minute, he latched onto Riccardo Calafiori’s cross to restore Arsenal’s lead. Gabriel Martinelli sealed the victory in the 77th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to score Arsenal’s third.
This win maintains Arsenal’s perfect record in the Champions League, making them the only team with five wins from five matches. They now top their group with 15 points, three ahead of Paris Saint-Germain.
Madueke expressed his elation: “It’s a perfect night for me. Scoring my first goal for Arsenal, especially in such a significant match, is a dream come true.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised his team’s performance, stating, “We played with intensity and purpose. It’s a testament to the squad’s depth and character.”
Bayern Munich’s manager, Vincent Kompany, acknowledged Arsenal’s superiority: “Arsenal were better today. We need to learn from this and focus on our next matches.”
With this result, Arsenal not only ended Bayern’s unbeaten run this season but also reinforced their status as serious contenders in Europe. They will look to continue their impressive form in their upcoming fixtures.