Arteta eager to end Bayern hoodoo in Champions League

Mikel Arteta heads into Arsenal's Champions League clash at Bayern Munich's Allianz Arena determined to record his first win at the ground as manager.

Arteta has personal history at the venue. He was part of the Arsenal side that won 2-0 in Munich in 2013, a result that was not enough to advance on away goals, and he featured again in the 1-1 draw the following season. His most recent trip there as head coach, in the 2023/24 quarter-final, ended in a 1-0 defeat.

"I'm really looking forward to the game," Arteta said at his pre-match press conference. "This is the stage, this is the kind of team, this is the kind of coach, this is the kind of club, the stadium that you want to be involved in. So we have prepared the game with lots of enthusiasm, and really thrive to come here and win the game tomorrow."

Arteta added that both sides know exactly what to expect. "I think both teams are very clear on that, and we experienced that at the Emirates. It's going to be a very similar one in many moments, especially we have a lot of connections and positiveness in and around the team, so yeah, very excited about it."

Arsenal have won both of their Champions League fixtures this season. The only defeat in their last 17 games in the competition came in last season's final, which was settled by a penalty shootout.

That shootout loss has not left Arteta easily. "I tried, but I haven't managed!" he said when asked whether he had moved on during the summer. "By a penalty we were not champions of Europe, so let's try again."

Arsenal reached the semi-final in 2025 and the final last year, and Arteta made clear the squad's ambition to go one step further this time around.