Four mistakes Bayern Munich must avoid in Champions League rematch against Arsenal

Bayern Munich will have several uncomfortable memories to contend with when they welcome Arsenal to the Allianz Arena for Wednesday evening's Champions League encounter. The last meeting between the two European heavyweights ended in a comprehensive 3-1 victory for Mikel Arteta's Gunners,bringing Vincent Kompany's remarkable unbeaten start to the 2025/26 season to an abrupt end.

Bayern arrived in London last November having gone 18 competitive matches without defeat. Both sides had collected maximum points from their opening four Champions League fixtures.

The encounter ultimately proved considerably more comfortable for the hosts than the final scoreline suggested. Despite enjoying 60 percent possession, Bayern registered just eight shots and generated 0.65 expected goals.

Arsenal, meanwhile, produced 13 attempts and an xG total of 3.11. Lennart Karl's spectacular first-half equalizer provided the visitors with their only goal.

As Germany's record champions prepare for another confrontation with the reigning English champions, four particular shortcomings from last November's defeat stand out. Allowing Arsenal too many dangerous set-piece opportunities Bayern's problems began in the 22nd minute when Bukayo Saka delivered a corner into the six-yard box.

Manuel Neuer attempted to intercept the delivery but arrived too late, allowing Jurrien Timber to head Arsenal into the lead. The incident represented considerably more than an isolated goalkeeping error.

Arsenal repeatedly threatened from dead-ball situations throughout the encounter, winning six corners compared with Bayern's solitary effort. Mikel Merino came especially close to restoring Arsenal's advantage in the 58th minute, sending a glancing header narrowly wide following another corner.

Bayern's players and management subsequently acknowledged that they had failed to cope with Arsenal's considerable strength in this department. "We allowed them too many set-piece situations," Joshua Kimmich told reporters after the match.

"The big problem today was the marking off corners. For us, the whole game came down to set-pieces."