UCL Preview: Arteta should remember the massacre done by Bayern six years ago, as Kane visits familiar ground

The UCL quarterfinal is one of the most serious business in European club competition. As it stands between Arsenal and Bayern Munich, it’s a game of an experienced side against a newbie. Bayern is in their 22nd quarterfinal game in the UCL, while Arsenal is just returning after over seven years of hiatus. 

Meanwhile, Arsenal coach, Mikel Arteta will be remembering the massacre done by Bayern at the Emirate six years ago as he welcomes the Bravarians on Tuesday at 8 pm. 

Of the 12 meetings between Bayern and Arsenal in the UCL, the Bundesliga team has won seven. The Bavarian giants even triumphed over Arsenal in their last three games by the same 5-1 scoreline.

Although a lot has changed in the Bayern team, the same is true for Arsenal. As it stands, Arsenal seems to be a tougher side than the German side, but history may always repeat itself. 

Another nemesis for Arsenal would be Harry Kane, who returns to North London, where he’s familiar, especially with the Emirate. Kane is the highest goalscorer, with 14 in the Northern Derby. 

What can and can’t 

Anything that happens to Arsenal after this quarterfinal duel, they have tried, most importantly, by breaking six successive rounds of the 16 jinx they have faced in the Champions League. 

Arteta has made that possible by defeating Porto, who seemed difficult to play compared to other teams he played against in the Champions League. The Spaniard wouldn’t want to play against such a team again going forward. Meanwhile, the good news for Arsenal is that Bayern Munich seems very different in terms of pattern from Porto. 

Arsenal has played similar teams as Bayern in the Champions League, and they had a seamless flow of play. Arsenal defeated PSV 4-0 and Lens 6-0; both teams play toe to toe against Arsenal. Bayern plays space football, which is unlike Porto, who were policing Arsenal’s wingers. 

How may Arteta stop Tuchel in the UCL? 

Although, Arteta has defeated Thomas Tuchel on two ocassions while he was still in Chelsea but this is a different terrain right now that needs to be properly understudy.

Arsenal’s best defence has been essential in sustaining attacks and preventing counter-attacks, which will be essential to minimise opportunities for Kingsley Coman, Leroy Sane, and Jamal Musiala to exploit space and overloads after regains. Bayern, with 113 successful dribbles and a 60 percent completion rate, are the top Champions League dribblers this season. And the impact of this trio of players has made Bayern a strong offensive side. 

Defending has been Arsenal’s strength in 2023–24. They have only conceded five goals in eight Champions League games this season. Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund is the only other quarter-final team with as watertight a defence, and no team has allowed fewer than Arsenal’s eight big chances.

Harry Kane’s UCL battle 

Harry Kane has played 16 North London derbies, scoring 14 goals; he understands the terrain of the Emirate and wouldn’t hesitate to score David Raya today. 

Goal scoring isn’t a problem for the England captain, although winning trophies is, but his 32 goals for Bayern this season weren’t enough to make the Bravarian a title contender in the Bundesliga. With the Bundesliga slipping behind Kane and Bayern, it’s more of a personal battle for the Englishman to focus on getting his side to the semifinal and eventually winning silverware.