Joshua Kimmich’s second-half header proved decisive as Bayern Munich ended Arsenal’s Champions League dreams with a 1-0 win in Wednesday’s cagey quarter-final second leg at the Allianz Arena.
Having salvaged a 2-2 draw in last week’s first leg at the Emirates Stadum, Arsenal succeeded in keeping their old nemesis Harry Kane quiet, but Kimmich kept the striker’s hopes of lifting silverware in his first season in Germany alive.
Kimmich was totally unmarked as he headed Raphael Guerreiro’s cross home shortly after the hour mark, after Bayern had twice struck the goalframe in the opening moments of the second half.
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Mikel Arteta’s team disappointed in attack as they fell to a second straight defeat, having relinquished control of the Premier League title race with Sunday’s 2-0 loss to Aston Villa.
While the Gunners’ season is now threatening to peter out, Thomas Tuchel could yet atone for Bayern’s Bundesliga failings by delivering the European crown before his summer departure.
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) April 17, 2024
Bayern’s fans lit up the Allianz with a striking pyrotechnics display before kick-off, but there was no explosive start for the hosts on the pitch as Kane steered a weak volley wide from Leroy Sane’s cross.
David Raya was worked by Jamal Musiala midway through the first half, but the best chance of a low-key opening period fell to Gabriel Martinelli, who could only shoot straight at Manuel Neuer when unmarked on the right side of the area.
Arsenal were extremely fortunate to stay level two minutes into the second half, though. Kimmich’s free-kick delivery was headed against the post by Leon Goretzka, then Guerreiro’s follow-up effort deflected off William Saliba and struck the woodwork again.
The Gunners had no such luck after 64 minutes, however, with Kimmich powering a header into the top-left corner after being picked out by Guerreiro’s delicate left-wing cross.
Sane then sliced wildly over the bar as Bayern looked to put the tie beyond their visitors, who continued to struggle for clear-cut chances in an uncharacteristically timid display.
Their best chance to force extra time fell to Martin Odegaard with two minutes to play, but Neuer had his deflected strike covered as it hit the side netting.
In fact, Bayern could have added further gloss to the scoreline when Kane teed up Musiala in the final minute, but the Germany star could only shoot straight at Raya. It mattered not, though, as the Bundesliga giants kept Arsenal at arm’s length in stoppage time.
A Champions League journey to be proud of ❤️ pic.twitter.com/6dyWWTlah7
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 17, 2024
