Bayern vs Arsenal: Champions League Preview

Bayern vs Arsenal is the standout Champions League tie of matchday three, with Bayern Munich hosting Arsenal at the Allianz Arena in Munich on Wednesday 21 October 2026. Kick-off is at 21:00 South African time (19:00 GMT), and Davide Massa is the referee. Bayern sit 12th in the 36-team table, whereas Arsenal are eighth, so this game matters for both clubs. Below is everything to know before the teams are confirmed.

When is Bayern vs Arsenal and where can you follow it?

Bayern vs Arsenal kicks off at 21:00 SAST on Wednesday 21 October 2026 at the Allianz Arena in Munich. The game is the third round of the league phase, and Davide Massa will take charge. In addition, our live scores page follows the match as it happens, so you can check the score without leaving the site.

What is the form going into Bayern vs Arsenal?

Bayern arrive with plenty of goals but some defensive looseness. They beat RB Leipzig 6-1 at home on 17 October, drew 3-3 away to Viking in the Champions League on 13 October and drew 2-2 at Augsburg on 10 October. Before that, they won 7-0 against Union Berlin and 5-0 against Bodø/Glimt in Europe. As a result, Bayern have scored 8 and conceded 3 in their two league-phase games, with four points from a possible six.

Arsenal, on the other hand, have been harder to break down. They won 1-0 at Nottingham Forest on 18 October, a game we covered in our Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal report, and beat Lille 3-0 in the Champions League on 13 October. Before that, they beat Leeds 2-1 and lost 3-0 at Brighton, having won 4-2 at Ipswich in the League Cup and 2-0 at Sunderland. In Europe, Arsenal have won both games, scoring 4 and conceding none, which is why they have six points. Our Arsenal vs Lille preview covers the last European night in more detail.

What is the head-to-head record between Bayern and Arsenal?

Arsenal won the most recent meeting 3-1 at home in the Champions League on 26 November 2025. Before that, the sides met twice in the Champions League in April 2024, with a 2-2 draw in London on 9 April and a 1-0 Bayern win in Munich on 17 April. Furthermore, Arsenal beat Bayern 2-1 in the 2019 International Champions Cup, the two drew 1-1 in the same friendly tournament in 2017, and Bayern won 5-1 at Arsenal in the Champions League in March 2017.

Taken together, the recent record is fairly balanced. However, the most recent result favoured the English side, and that gives Arsenal some confidence heading to Bavaria.

What is the team news for Bayern vs Arsenal?

Bayern have several absentees on the official injury list. Buchmann is out with a knee problem and Jamal Musiala has a muscle injury, while Michael Olise is suspended after a red card. Joshua Kimmich is also listed as unavailable for personal reasons. Therefore, Bayern’s midfield and attack could look different from the side that thrashed Leipzig.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are without William Saliba, who has a back injury, and Piero Hincapié, who has an ankle injury. Tzolis is also listed with a hamstring problem. Even so, the squad that won at Forest and beat Lille has not been disrupted heavily, so Arsenal should have enough depth. Both clubs will confirm their line-ups about an hour before kick-off, so check official channels for late changes.

What does each team need from the match?

Bayern are 12th with four points from two games and a goal difference of plus five. A win would lift them up the table, whereas a defeat would leave them chasing from mid-table. Arsenal are eighth with six points from two games and a goal difference of plus four, so a win in Munich would put them firmly in contention for a top-eight finish.

For perspective, Paris lead the table on nine points after beating Barcelona, which our PSG vs Barcelona report covers. Consequently, every point from this match shapes the race behind them. For more on the competition, visit our Champions League hub.

Which tactical battles could shape Bayern vs Arsenal?

The main contest is likely to be Bayern’s attack against Arsenal’s defence. Bayern have scored freely at home, and the 6-1 win over Leipzig shows how quickly they can punish teams. Arsenal, however, have conceded no goals in their two European games, so something has to give. In addition, with Saliba out, Arsenal’s back line will be tested by Bayern’s pace.

At the other end, Arsenal have shown they can score away from home, winning at Forest, Ipswich and Sunderland this season. Meanwhile, Bayern conceded three at Viking and two at Augsburg, so there are chances for the visitors. As a result, a high-scoring match is plausible, although it remains a prediction rather than a certainty.

For the official match centre and standings, see the UEFA Champions League website.

Frequently asked questions

What time is Bayern vs Arsenal in South Africa?

Kick-off is at 21:00 SAST on Wednesday 21 October 2026.

Where is Bayern vs Arsenal being played?

The match is at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany.

When did Bayern and Arsenal last meet?

They last met on 26 November 2025, when Arsenal won 3-1 at home in the Champions League.

Who is missing for Bayern and Arsenal?

Bayern are without Buchmann, Musiala, Olise and Kimmich, while Arsenal are missing Saliba, Hincapié and Tzolis.