Munich’s Allianz Arena is the setting for a major early test in the 2026/27 Champions League league phase, with Bayern Munich due to host Arsenal on Wednesday, 21 October. The third-round meeting brings together a German side recovering from a turbulent European night in Norway and an Arsenal team that has opened its continental campaign with two wins from two.
Key takeaways
- Bayern have collected four Champions League points after a 5-0 win over Bodø/Glimt and a 3-3 draw away to Viking.
- Arsenal lead into the match on six points, having beaten Napoli 1-0 and Lille 3-0.
- Michael Olise is unavailable for Bayern after his red card against Viking, while Jamal Musiala remains injured.
- Vincent Kompany has been ill and his presence on the Bayern touchline is uncertain.
- Arsenal will be without injured defenders William Saliba and Piero Hincapié, as well as forward Tzolis.
- The match starts at 16:00 Brasília time and will be shown on TNT and HBO Max.
Bayern seek a steadier European evening
Bayern’s opening two matches have offered sharply contrasting pictures. The Bundesliga champions swept aside Bodø/Glimt by five goals in their first league-phase fixture, then conceded three times in a 3-3 draw with Norway’s Viking. Their domestic response was emphatic: a 6-1 victory over RB Leipzig in their most recent German league outing.
There are, however, selection questions around the hosts. Olise must serve a suspension after being dismissed against Viking. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and midfielder Joshua Kimmich are also fitness concerns, while Musiala has been ruled out through injury.
Kompany missed Bayern’s training session and Tuesday’s media appearance while dealing with a viral illness. The Belgian coach had not been confirmed to be fit enough to take his place beside the pitch for Arsenal’s visit.
The likely Bayern side includes Neuer, if passed fit, behind Konrad Laimer, Dayot Upamecano, Jonathan Tah and Alphonso Davies. Kimmich could be replaced by Tom Bischof in midfield alongside Aleksandar Pavlovic, with Lennart Karl, Ismael Saibari and Luis Díaz supporting Harry Kane.
Arsenal arrive with momentum and recent history
Mikel Arteta’s visitors have made a flawless start to the competition. A narrow win over Napoli was followed by a three-goal success against Lille, leaving Arsenal in search of a third consecutive Champions League victory in Munich.
They also travel after a 1-0 Premier League win over Nottingham Forest, settled by Noni Madueke. Defensive injuries complicate Arteta’s preparations, with Saliba and Hincapié unavailable, while Tzolis is another absentee.
David Raya is expected to start in goal, with Jurrien Timber, Ezri Konsa, Gabriel Magalhães and Riccardo Calafiori forming the probable back line. Declan Rice and Myles Lewis-Skelly are set to operate in midfield, while Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard and Madueke could play behind Kai Havertz.
There is recent Champions League memory between the clubs. Arsenal beat Bayern 3-1 in London during last season’s league phase, a result that gives the English side a familiar reference point before their return meeting at the Allianz Arena.
The fixture is scheduled for Wednesday, 21 October 2026, at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
