Alex MacQuoid
Few Champions League matchups carry the same weight, history, and tension as Arsenal vs Bayern Munich. For over two decades, these two European giants have collided in some of the competition’s most dramatic, punishing, and unforgettable nights. From shock away wins to brutal 5–1 demolitions, their encounters tell the story of two clubs on vastly different European trajectories — yet bound together by fate in repeated knockout clashes.
With Arsenal back among Europe’s elite and Bayern consistently one of the continent’s most dominant forces, this rivalry is set to add new chapters in the coming years. Below is the complete look at their head-to-head record and the classic meetings that shaped the narrative.
Head-to-Head Overview
Games Played: 14
Bayern Munich Wins: 8
Draws: 3
Arsenal Wins: 3
Bayern have been the dominant force, particularly throughout the 2010s, where a string of ruthless performances cemented their psychological edge over the Gunners. Arsenal’s victories, though fewer, have included some of their most memorable European nights.
Classic Encounters
Bayern Munich 0–2 Arsenal – March 2013
After losing 3–1 at home in the first leg of the 2012/13 Round of 16, Arsenal travelled to Munich needing a miracle. They came close. Olivier Giroud struck early before Laurent Koscielny’s late header set up a tense finale, but the Germans advanced on away goals before going on to win the entire competition. It remains one of Arsenal’s most heroic European performances despite elimination.
Arsenal 2–0 Bayern Munich – October 2015
One of Arsène Wenger’s last great Champions League nights. In a tightly contested group-stage clash, Olivier Giroud bundled home from a set piece before Mesut Özil scored in stoppage time — a goal only confirmed by an alert fifth official pre-goal-line tech days. Arsenal stunned a Pep Guardiola-led Bayern side that many considered the tournament favourites.
Bayern Munich 5–1 Arsenal – November 2015
Just two weeks after losing in London, Bayern responded with fury. Goals from Lewandowski, Müller, Alaba, and Robben blew Arsenal away. Giroud scored a spectacular overhead kick, but it was a mere consolation. This result began a brutal trend that would continue in the following seasons.
Bayern Munich 5–1 Arsenal – February 2017
The first leg of the 2016/17 Round of 16 started promisingly: Alexis Sánchez equalised after Arjen Robben’s opener. But once Bayern hit their stride, Arsenal imploded. Lewandowski and Thiago (twice) tore through the defence, and Müller added the fifth. Arsenal were fortunate it wasn’t eight.
Arsenal 1–5 Bayern Munich – March 2017
Another 5–1. Another collapse. Theo Walcott gave Arsenal early hope before Laurent Koscielny’s red card triggered another avalanche. Lewandowski, Robben, Douglas Costa, and Arturo Vidal (twice) completed a humiliating 10–2 aggregate defeat — one of the darkest European nights of the Wenger era.
Arsenal 2–2 Bayern Munich – April 2024
The 2023/24 quarterfinal saw a new-look Arsenal finally meet Bayern on more equal terms. Bukayo Saka opened the scoring before Serge Gnabry and former Tottenham striker Harry Kane flipped the game. A late Leandro Trossard finish salvaged a draw, but missed penalties and narrow calls left both sides frustrated.
Bayern Munich 1–0 Arsenal – April 2024
In the second leg, Joshua Kimmich’s header proved decisive. Arsenal failed to convert their territorial dominance into goals, and Bayern’s defensive discipline saw them through. Kane, who has scored 15 goals in 20 matches against Arsenal, did not find the net — but Bayern didn’t need him. It was Arsenal’s sixth trip to Munich without a win.
Full Match List: Arsenal vs Bayern Munich
- Apr 17, 2024: Bayern 1–0 Arsenal
- Apr 09, 2024: Arsenal 2–2 Bayern
- Mar 07, 2017: Arsenal 1–5 Bayern
- Feb 15, 2017: Bayern 5–1 Arsenal
- Nov 04, 2015: Bayern 5–1 Arsenal
- Oct 20, 2015: Arsenal 2–0 Bayern
- Mar 11, 2014: Bayern 1–1 Arsenal
- Feb 19, 2014: Arsenal 0–2 Bayern
- Mar 13, 2013: Bayern 0–2 Arsenal
- Feb 19, 2013: Arsenal 1–3 Bayern
- Mar 09, 2005: Arsenal 1–0 Bayern
- Feb 22, 2005: Bayern 3–1 Arsenal
- Mar 14, 2001: Bayern 1–0 Arsenal
- Dec 07, 2000: Arsenal 2–2 Bayern
Top Scorers in Arsenal vs Bayern Munich
- Thomas Müller (Bayern) – 5 goals
- Robert Lewandowski (Bayern) – 3 goals
- Arjen Robben (Bayern) – 3 goals
- Olivier Giroud (Arsenal) – 3 goals
- Lukas Podolski (Arsenal) – 2 goals
Recent Form & European Context
Arsenal have drastically improved in the Champions League era since returning to the competition in 2023/24. Their semi-final run last season was their best since 2009, and this year they entered Matchday 5 with a perfect defensive record.
Bayern, meanwhile, remain a Champions League machine. They have reached the knockout rounds in every campaign since 2008/09 and are competing in their 29th modern UCL season — more than any side except Barcelona and Real Madrid.
They have also been ruthless against Premier League clubs, losing just two of their last 12 matches against English opposition.
H2H Numbers Don’t Lie
Bayern Munich have historically dominated this matchup. But Arsenal’s resurgence under Mikel Arteta has closed the gap, and recent meetings have been far more competitive. With both sides again competing at the highest European level, expect more tense, tactical, and high-stakes clashes in the years ahead.