Champions League Preview Munich vs. Arsenal: A score to settle, with or without Vincent Kompany
Bayern Munich welcome reigning Premier League champions Arsenal to the Allianz Arena on Wednesday evening for one of the standout fixtures of the Champions League's third matchday. The two sides certainly have history.
Bayern's most recent encounter with Mikel Arteta's Gunners ended in a3-1 defeat at the Emirates Stadium last November. That result brought the German record champions' unbeaten start to the 2025/26 campaign to an abrupt end.
Bayern enter Wednesday's rematch with something of a point to prove in Europe. The Bavarians surrendered a 3-2 lead during their chaotic 3-3 draw against Viking Stavanger last week, although they recovered emphatically with a6-1 demolition of RB Leipzig in Saturday's Bundesliga encounter.
Arsenal, meanwhile, arrive in Munich having won ten of their opening eleven competitive fixtures this season. The Londoners have taken maximum points from their first two Champions League matches and defeated Nottingham Forest 1-0 in their latest Premier League outing.
The stage is set for another fascinating confrontation between two of Europe's strongest teams. Bayern's selection headaches and an absent head coach?
Perhaps the most unexpected development in Bayern's preparations concerns the man ordinarily occupying their technical area. Head coach Vincent Kompany has been battling a viral infection and missed both training and Tuesday's pre-match press conference.
Assistant coach Aaron Danks, who deputized for the Belgian during last season's Champions League semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain, took charge of preparations. "Getting Vincent to rest is a difficult challenge," Danks told reporters at Tuesday's pre-match press conference.
We take it day by day, so I'm unsure of his involvement tomorrow. Danks nevertheless emphasized that Kompany remains closely involved with the preparations and that Bayern's established routines have continued without significant disruption.
The Bavarians also face several important personnel questions. Michael Olise is suspended followinghis dismissal against Viking, while Jamal Musiala remains unavailable.