Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal
UEFA Champions League · League Phase, Matchday 3
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
9:00 p.m. CEST / 3:00 p.m. EDT
Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany
Bayern Munich face one of their biggest European tests of the league phase when Arsenal visits the Allianz Arena on Wednesday, October 21st. The Champions League showdown kicks off at 9:00 p.m. local time, with both sides looking to strengthen their position in the competition’s league phase.
The matchup offers Bayern Munich an opportunity to make a statement against a Premier League heavyweight. Vincent Kompany’s team will look to use its home advantage, attacking quality, and experience on the European stage to put Arsenal under pressure. Harry Kane, of course, will be a central figure, but the creativity of Michael Olise will be absent as he will serve a suspension for a red card during the Viking FK match.
Arsenal, meanwhile, arrive as a formidable opponent with ambitions of making another deep Champions League run. Their ability to press aggressively, maintain possession, and transition quickly could make life difficult for Bayern, particularly if the hosts leave space behind their defensive line.
The midfield battle will be especially important. Bayern Munich must find a way to progress the ball through Arsenal’s pressure without exposing themselves to dangerous counterattacks. Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlović could have major roles in controlling the tempo and keeping the team balanced.
Bayern Munich will also need to be more disciplined defensively than they have been in recent matches. Against an opponent of Arsenal’s quality, individual mistakes can quickly prove costly.
With the atmosphere at the Allianz Arena expected to provide an extra lift, this is a chance for Bayern to demonstrate that they can compete with Europe’s elite. Three points would be a significant boost, but Arsenal have the quality to make this a demanding night for the German champions.
Today, 30 minutes ago
Joshua Kimmich laments Olise suspension ahead of Arsenal FC clash, remains confident
FC Bayern München v RB Leipzig - Bundesliga 2026/27
(Photo by F. Noever/FC Bayern via Getty Images) FC Bayern via Getty Images
Bayern Munich returned to winning ways for the first time since the international break when they beat RB Leipzig 6-1 on Saturday, having had drawn twice in a row against FC Augsburg in the Bundesliga, and Viking FK in the Champions League. Now, the Bavarians are set to face Arsenal FC in the return of the Champions League, a massive game that will surely put the Germans to the test.
One relevant aspect of Wednesday’s game will be the absence of superstar Michael Olise, who is suspended after receiving a double yellow card in Bayern’s recent trip to Norway against Viking FK. After smashing RB Leipzig, the midfielder gave an interview to Sky (as captured by @iMiaSanMia), lamenting the fact that the Frenchman will not be available for the game. “We have one or two players carrying knocks from today, I hope it’s nothing serious. Michael [Olise] will be unavailable due to the red card. Obviously, that makes things a bit more difficult for us, especially when it comes to replacing him in a top match like this,” said Kimmich.
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FC Bayern München v 1. FC Union Berlin - Bundesliga 2026/27
(Photo by Alexander HassensteinGetty Images) Getty Images
Bayern Munich is in a good moment, to put it lightly. The roarin’ Bavarians are soaring under head coach Vincent Kompany with an enviable setup that boasts several of the world’s best attackers — and the goal-scoring record to back it up.
Leading the way are Ballon d’Or front-runners Harry Kane and Michael Olise — two mega-stars Bayern can consider itself lucky to have assembled together at the same time. Can they keep them together, though? Former Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is optimistic.
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Bayern Munich fear Vincent Kompany will miss the Arsenal game
FC Bayern München v RB Leipzig - Bundesliga 2026/27
(Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Bundesliga via Getty Images) Bundesliga via Getty Images
According to reports in the German media, Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany is suffering from a bout of illness, which jeopardizes his participation against Arsenal FC in the Champions League this week. Assistant coach Aaron Danks may be called to take over in case the Belgian cannot make the touchline.
According to Tz, the situation looks grim (via @iMiaSanMia):
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Harry Kane lauds partnership with Jude Bellingham for England
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(Photo by MARKO PERKOV / AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images
Harry Kane believes his connection with Jude Bellingham could be a major asset for England, both on and off the pitch.
The two England stars developed a strong understanding during the World Cup, and Kane believes that relationship has continued to grow as Bellingham has established himself at Real Madrid.
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Question of the Day: With Michael Olise and Jamal Musiala unavailable, who should Bayern Munich start at attacking midfielder vs. Arsenal?
FC Bayern München v RB Leipzig - Bundesliga 2026/27
(Photo by Leonhard Simon/Getty Images) Getty Images
Bayern Munich could be missing two of its most creative players for a massive Champions League showdown with Arsenal, leaving Vincent Kompany with an important decision to make. With Michael Olise and Jamal Musiala unavailable, who should take over the No. 10 role and help Bayern unlock one of Europe’s toughest defenses?
There are a few intriguing options on the table, and each brings something different to the position.
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Today, 12:45 AM PDT
Bayern Munich prez says Harry Kane should win Ballon d’Or
Viking FK v FC Bayern München - UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD2
(Photo by Ole Martin Wold - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) UEFA via Getty Images
Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer has thrown his support behind Harry Kane in the race for the Ballon d’Or, despite acknowledging that Michael Olise also deserves recognition for his outstanding performances.
Speaking about the two Bayern stars, Hainer made his preference clear, backing the England international to claim football’s most prestigious individual award.
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Oct 18
Morgan Rogers says Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane should win Ballon d’Or
England v Czechia - UEFA Nations League 2026/27 Group A3 MD4
(Photo by Paul Harding - The FA/The FA via Getty Images) The FA via Getty Images
Harry Kane has received another ringing endorsement in his bid for the Ballon d’Or, with England international Morgan Rogers arguing that the Bayern Munich striker has done more than enough to claim football’s most prestigious individual honor.
Rogers believes Kane’s accomplishments have pushed the boundaries of what could reasonably have been expected from him, pointing to his remarkable combination of club and international success.
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Oct 16
Vincent Kompany prioritizes Bayern Munich titles over Ballon d’Or
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AFP via Getty Images
Vincent Kompany is happy to see Harry Kane and Michael Olise in the Ballon d’Or conversation, but the Bayern Munich coach has more immediate priorities than individual awards. Kompany was asked about his players’ chances of winning the prestigious honor. His response suggested the decision was already out of his hands (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).
“I think it’s already been decided, right? So I can’t change anything anymore regardless of what I say. Sorry, but I don’t have this Ballon d’Or in my mind every day. Today, I’m only thinking about Augsburg. I hope a Bayern player wins, but of course, it’s more important to me that we win titles with Bayern. I know Harry and Michael well; they think the same way. That’s what sets us apart as a team,” Kompany said.
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