In the glittering arena of European football, few clashes evoke as much drama and prestige as Arsenal FC vs Bayern Munich. As two of the continent’s most storied clubs prepare for their UEFA Champions League league-phase showdown on November 26, 2025, fans are buzzing with anticipation. This fixture isn’t just a battle for points—it’s a test of tactical mastery, resilience, and raw talent. With both sides unbeaten in the competition so far, the Emirates Stadium is set to host a seismic encounter that could define their campaigns.
Whether you’re an Arsenal die-hard dreaming of revenge or a Bayern supporter relishing the Bavarians’ dominance, this guide dives deep into the head-to-head record, match specifics, potential starting XIs, and our score prediction.
Head-to-Head: A Storied Rivalry Steeped in Champions League Drama
Arsenal and Bayern Munich have locked horns 14 times in competitive fixtures, predominantly in the UEFA Champions League, making Bayern the Gunners’ most frequent European adversary. The record tilts firmly in Bayern’s favor, underscoring the German giants’ historical edge in knockout ties.
According to UEFA’s official stats, Bayern hold 8 wins to Arsenal’s 3, with 3 draws. The Bavarians have netted 30 goals to Arsenal’s 15, often in emphatic fashion—think three separate 5-1 thrashings in 2017 that remain Arsenal’s heaviest European defeats. Recent history hasn’t been kind to the Gunners either: Bayern won four of the last five meetings, including a 1-0 quarter-final exit in 2024.
Yet, Arsenal have shown flashes of brilliance. Their 2-0 upset in Munich during the 2012/13 last-16 and a gritty 1-0 home win in 2005 highlight the potential for North London heroics. Overall, matches average 3.13 goals per game, promising fireworks.
Match Details
The clash unfolds on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at the iconic Emirates Stadium in London. Kick-off is at 8:00 PM GMT (3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT), giving fans across the globe prime evening viewing.
This is Matchday 5 of the UEFA Champions League’s revamped league phase, pitting the top two teams against each other. Both sides boast perfect records: 4 wins, 12 points, +11 goal difference. Bayern edge Arsenal on goals scored (14 vs. 11), but the Gunners hold the competition’s stingiest defense—zero conceded.
Potential Lineups: Arteta’s Fortress vs Kompany’s Firepower
Injuries and suspensions add intrigue. Arsenal welcome back Riccardo Calafiori from a hip knock, but miss Martin Ødegaard (injury), Gabriel Magalhães (injury), Kai Havertz (injury), Viktor Gyökeres (injury), and Gabriel Jesus (injury). Bayern, managed by Vincent Kompany, cope without suspended Luis Díaz (three-match ban) and sidelined Alphonso Davies and Jamal Musiala.
Arteta’s 4-3-3 emphasizes control and pressing, while Kompany’s 4-2-3-1 unleashes fluid attacks led by Harry Kane, who has 15 career goals vs. Arsenal.
Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3)
- GK: David Raya
- DEF: Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Piero Hincapié, Riccardo Calafiori
- MID: Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze
- FWD: Bukayo Saka, Mikel Merino, Leandro Trossard
Key threats: Saka’s dribbling terrorizes flanks, Eze’s creativity shines centrally, and Saliba anchors a rock-solid backline.
Predicted Bayern Munich XI (4-2-3-1)
- GK: Manuel Neuer
- DEF: Konrad Laimer, Dayot Upamecano, Jonathan Tah, Josip Stanišić
- MID: Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlović
- ATT: Michael Olise, Lennart Karl, Serge Gnabry, Harry Kane
Key threats: Kane’s Emirates hoodoo (6 goals in 10 visits) looms large, Olise’s pace exploits transitions, and Kimmich dictates tempo.
Subs like Noni Madueke (Arsenal) and Raphael Guerreiro (Bayern) could swing momentum late.
Score Prediction: Arsenal Edge a Thriller, 2-1
Both teams score in 80% of their recent H2Hs, and with Bayern’s xG dominance (12.3 in four games), expect goals. Harry Kane nets anytime (+155 odds), but Arsenal’s press disrupts Bayern’s rhythm.
Final Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Bayern Munich.
