Late equalizer from Declan Rice saw Bayern Munich and Arsenal played out an exciting 2-2 draw in the UEFA Champions League at the Allianz Arena.
Harry Kane and Alphonso Davies scored for Bayern, while Eberechi Eze and Declan Rice found the net for the Premier League Champions in a match filled with big chances, important saves and late drama.
The visitors had to deal with an early injury to Bukayo Saka, but the visitors showed great character to earn a valuable point in Munich.
Bayern looked set to claim all three points after taking the lead in the second half, but Rice struck late to rescue the Premier League side.
Arsenal suffered an early setback when Saka went down with an injury and could not continue. Eberechi Eze came on as his replacement in the 10th minute, giving the visitors a different attacking option.
The change soon paid off in the 25th minute when Martin Odegaard played a superb pass to Eberechi Eze, who found space behind the Bayern Munich’s defence.
The England international finished with a powerful left-footed shot into the bottom corner to put his side ahead 1-0. The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but a VAR review confirmed that Eze was onside.
Arsenal took the lead at 1-0, putting pressure on the home side as play carried on. Bayern responded strongly and found their equaliser in the 35th minute.
Harry Kane produced an excellent pass from midfield to send Alphonso Davies through on goal. Davies kept his composure and finished past David Raya to make it 1-1.
The goal brought Bayern back into the contest after the London side had taken the lead. Both teams continued to look for another goal before the break, but neither could find a way through.
The first half ended level, with the match still wide open. The second half began with both teams creating dangerous chances as they search for a lead in the game.
Manuel Neuer made an important save to deny Bruno Guimaraes after the Brazilian midfielder met a corner with a header. Neuer reacted quickly to keep the ball out from hitting the back of the net.
Bayern also threatened through Dayot Upamecano, whose close-range header forced Raya into an excellent save. The goalkeeper showed quick reactions to prevent the German side from taking the lead.
Eze also had an opportunity to score again, but Neuer came out to stop his effort. These saves proved important as both teams pushed for a second goal in the encounter.
The host took the lead in the 61st minute after Kane’s goal-bound shot struck the raised arm of defender Jurrien Timber inside the penalty area. The referee pointed to the spot immediately for a penalty.
Harry Kane stepped up and sent the penalty into the roof of the net, giving Bayern a 2-1 advantage. The England striker continued his impressive scoring run in the Champions League, making it ten consecutive appearances in the competition in which he had scored.
The home team looked close to securing a home victory, but their opponent refused to give up. Arteta made attacking changes as they searched for an equaliser, bringing on Viktor Gyokeres and Myles Lewis-Skelly in the 68th minute.
Their pressure finally paid off in the 82nd minute of the encounter. A quick passing move involving Noni Madueke and Gyokeres created the opening for Rice.
Gyokeres supplied a clever flick, allowing the midfielder to strike the ball into the far corner. Rice’s powerful finish made it 2-2 and gave the London club the leveler they needed.
The match finished with Arsenal holding Bayern Munich to a 2-2 draw which gives them one point each after 90 minutes of action played against each other.
Kai Havertz received a yellow card in the 13th minute for a sliding challenge, while Ezri Konsa was also booked in the 39th minute for a dangerous challenge on Kane..
Bayern made further changes, including bringing on Luis Diaz and Lennart Karl, while Arsenal introduced Mikel Merino late in the game. However, neither side could find a winning goal before the final whistle.
The 2-2 result reflected an entertaining match in which both teams created chances and showed attacking quality. The host may feel disappointed after leading twice, but the visitors will be pleased with their fight and determination.
The draw leaves both clubs with work to do as the Champions League league phase continues, with Arsenal taking confidence from their late comeback and Bayern Munich looking to turn strong performances into victories.
