A bullet header from Joshua Kimmich saw Bayern Munich win 1-0 in their Champions League quarter-final second leg, claiming a 3-2 aggregate victory and knocking Arsenal out of the competition.
The return leg did not quite have the drama of the first at the Emirates, where the game ended in a 2-2 draw, but the Germans took advantage of a moment of lax Arsenal defending.
Kimmich powered home his effort just after the hour to see the Gunners beaten, suffering another blow to their hopes of silverware this season after a 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa in the Premier League on Super Sunday.
Bayern will face either Real Madrid or Manchester City in the semi-finals, with the tie set to take place on April 30 or May 1 and May 7 or 8.
How Bayern knocked out Arsenal
Joshua Kimmich celebrates his winning goal against Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-final second leg
Despite a goalless first half, both teams had chances. The hosts went close around the 20-minute mark, when Ben White was needed to make a vital clearance from Noussair Mazraoui’s dangerous cross.
David Raya was then needed to keep out a long-range effort from Jamal Musiala, with Bayern’s main goal threat – Harry Kane – registering just one touch in the opposition box.
But Arsenal soon began to kick into gear, as Manuel Neuer saved from Martin Odegaard, needing a second touch to keep the ball from going out for a corner.
But Arsenal’s best chance of the half came when Martinelli connected with Odegaard’s cross, but his shot went straight at the goalkeeper.
Joshua Kimmich celebrates after heading Bayern Munich in front against Arsenal
Immediately after the break, Bayern hit the post twice. Leon Goretzka’s header smacked the woodwork with Raya beaten. Raphael Guerreiro’s follow up was then put onto the upright by William Saliba.
And just after the hour, the hosts broke the deadlock. Guerriero picked up a loose ball on the left of the area. He lifted his head with enough time to spot the run of Kimmich from deep – losing his marker Martinelli – with the German nodding a powerful header past Raya.
After going behind, Arsenal couldn’t quite rediscover their momentum. There were a few half chances, while Musiala went closest at the other end for Bayern, but it was ultimately Kimmich’s header that decided the tie.
Opta stats – Bayern reach another semi-final
- Bayern Munich have reached their 13th UEFA Champions League semi-final, with only Real Madrid reaching more.
- Arsenal have lost eight UEFA Champions League matches against Bayern Munich, two more than they’ve lost against any other side.
- Five of Joshua Kimmich’s last seven UEFA Champions League goals for Bayern Munich have come in the knockout stages (two in semi-finals, three in quarter-finals). Tonight’s goal was only his second in his last 32 appearances in the competition, his other also coming against an English side in a home quarter-final tie (April 2023 vs Man City).
What’s next?
Arsenal look to reignite their Premier League title hopes at Wolves on Saturday Night Football, live on Sky Sports. Kick-off 7.30pm.
Bayern visit FC Union Berlin in the Bundesliga on Saturday April 20, live on Sky Sports. Kick-off 5.30pm.
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