Dramatic Collapse Sees Arsenal Surrender Two-Goal Lead
Arsenal Women's defence of their Women's Champions League title has been plunged into serious doubt after a catastrophic second-half collapse saw them surrender a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 against Bayern Munich at a vibrant Allianz Arena. Having started the match in imperious form, the Gunners appeared to be in control, only to be stunned by a remarkable fightback from the German side, capped by a late winner from Glodis Viggosdottir.
Arsenal's Dream Start in Munich
Determined to banish the memories of a sluggish start against Chelsea in the Women's Super League, Arsenal began on the front foot in Germany. Their aggressive, high-pressing strategy immediately paid dividends. Beth Mead was a constant menace on the right flank, causing significant problems for the Bayern defence.
The breakthrough came in just the fifth minute. Mead's powerful effort was parried awkwardly by Bayern goalkeeper Maria Luisa Grohs, and the alert Cloe Lacasse was perfectly positioned to nod the rebound back over the stranded keeper and into the net.
Arsenal's dominance was rewarded with a second goal midway through the first half. Exploiting Bayern's risky attempts to play out from the back, Mead intercepted a stray pass from Stine Ballisager. She quickly laid the ball off to Stina Blackstenius, who fed Mariona Caldentey on the edge of the area. The Spanish midfielder took a deft touch to create space before unleashing a fierce drive past Grohs, sending the travelling 400-strong Arsenal support into delirium.
Bayern's Stunning Second-Half Resurgence
The momentum shifted dramatically after the interval. As Arsenal's energy levels dipped, Bayern manager José Barcala utilised his bench to great effect. The introductions of Pernille Harder and Alara Sehitler injected fresh impetus into the Bavarian attack.
It was Sehitler who sparked the comeback, breaking away on the counter-attack and coolly slotting past Arsenal's goalkeeper, Daphne van Domselaar, after being found by Klara Bühl. With the deficit halved and over 15,000 home fans roaring them on, Bayern sensed blood.
The equaliser arrived courtesy of the experienced Harder, who lofted a precise, looping shot from the edge of the penalty area that sailed over Van Domselaar and into the net. The stage was set for a grandstand finish, and the hosts delivered. Just six minutes later, Glodis Viggosdottir became the hero, arriving at the near post to turn in Bühl's cross and complete a stunning turnaround.
Consequences for Arsenal's European Campaign
This defeat leaves Arsenal with just one win from their opening three Champions League group games, a stark contrast to their resilient form in last season's triumphant campaign. The loss echoes their heavy 5-2 defeat to the same opponents in last year's group stage, a result they had famously avenged with a 3-2 victory that kickstarted their entire journey to the final.
This dramatic collapse raises serious questions about the team's ability to recapture the mental toughness that defined their previous success. With their European destiny now hanging in the balance, Arsenal face a monumental task to qualify for the knockout stages, a far cry from the confident start they manufactured in Munich.
