Bayern Munich and Arsenal faced off at the Allianz Arena today in a highly anticipated Women's Champions League match. This was a key fixture in matchday three of the competition. Both teams entered the match with 4 points, making the result crucial for their chances of advancing in the tournament.
Bayern Munich, the Frauen-Bundesliga leaders, began their Champions League campaign with a significant defeat against Barcelona but rebounded with a narrow victory over Juventus in mid-October. Arsenal, the reigning European champions, are looking to secure their second win in the group phase.
Bayern Munich coach, Jose Barcala, emphasized the importance of learning from their defeat to Barcelona. He stressed the need for his team to be brave and dominate their opponents. Maria-Luisa Grohs, Bayern Munich's goalkeeper, expressed positive memories of their previous home game against Arsenal, which they won 5-2. She acknowledged the need to be prepared for all situations and expected an intense match with different phases. The Bayern lineup saw Jovana Damnjanović retain her place in the starting XI after playing against Union Berlin over the weekend, while Pernille Harder started on the bench. The confirmed Bayern lineup was: Grohs; Gwinn, Ballisager, Viggósdóttir, Kett; Tanikawa, Stanway; Dallmann, Damnjanovic, Buhl; Schuller.
Arsenal coach Renée Slegers named an unchanged starting XI from the team that drew 1-1 with Chelsea. Alessia Russo continued in the number ten role, with Stina Blackstenius leading the attack. Kim Little and Leah Williamson remained absent due to injury, and Katie Reid is out for the season with an ACL injury. Slegers expressed high respect for Bayern, acknowledging their strengths in set pieces and their ability to create problems for their opponents. She emphasized the importance of the team taking responsibility and being accountable. The Arsenal lineup was: Van Domselaar; Fox, Wubben-Moy, Catley, McCabe; Mead, Caldentey, Pelova, Foord; Blackstenius, Russo. Amy Liddiard was added to the bench.
Both teams traded wins in the 2024/25 season, adding another layer of intrigue to this encounter.
