Complacent Toll

November 12, 2025

Allianz Arena, Munich

Ahead of tonight’s game, Arsenal suffered a cruel twist of fate. Katie Reid — the 19-year-old defender once hailed as the club’s brightest prospect — has been ruled out with an ACL injury. Player of the Month in September and freshly called up to the Lionesses, her rise was halted just as it began. Kim Little, Arsenal’s heartbeat in midfield, was also unavailable.

The margins between these sides have always been fine. Their last two meetings told the same story in reverse: a 5–2 defeat followed by a 3–2 win in December 2024. That victory, earned on a rain-soaked evening, marked a turning point in Arsenal’s European campaign.

This season, Bayern have been near-perfect in the Frauen-Bundesliga: nine wins, one draw, and just three goals conceded. Their 7–1 collapse against Barcelona remains an anomaly in an otherwise impeccable record. Although there is still debate around their last European match, against Juventus, — a “ghost goal” that never crossed the line defined the night. 

Arsenal began the match ferociously, pressing high and forcing Bayern into errors. Blackstenius led from the front, relentless and physical. Their dominance paid off early: Fox recovered a loose ball, Mead’s shot was saved, and Fox — quick to react — headed home the rebound. Arsenal led 1–0.

Bayern looked rattled. Their passing faltered under pressure. In the 11th minute, Russo broke through but was denied by the captain’s desperate clearance. Then, in the 22nd, a slick exchange: Mead to Russo to Blackstenius — off the bar. Seconds later, Mead again found Blackstenius, who teed up Caldentey. From distance, she bent a perfect strike into the top corner. Arsenal 2–0, and flying. McCabe’s crosses tore open space, Caldentey glided past markers, and Bayern looked a shadow of their usual selves.

But after halftime, everything changed. Bayern returned with fire and Arsenal watched. They won duels, fouls, and turned the tide. Damnjanović, their most dangerous forward, was surprisingly replaced by Harder on 56 minutes — a move that would soon prove decisive. Schüller and Dallmann went off for Şehitler and Caruso, giving Bayern new energy.

Bühl came alive in the final third and her cross found Şehitler, who slotted home with composure. 1–2. By the 80th minute, the equaliser arrived: Bühl assisted again, Harder curling a left-footed strike from range into the corner. 2–2. Minutes later came the dagger — another Bühl delivery, Viggosdóttir stretching to score. 3–2. From dominance to collapse.

Arsenal’s complacency had cost them dearly. No discipline, no consistency, no leadership. Their route to the quarter-finals now hangs by a thread. 

Bayern Munich 3 – 2 Arsenal

(E. Fox ‘5, M. Caldentey ‘23, A. Sehitler ‘67, P. Harder ‘80, G. Viggósdóttir ‘86)