When Bayern Munich's experience silenced Arsenal's abilities

At the Allianz Arena, experience triumphs over ability. Bayern with its experience has once again become Arsenal's biggest ghost.

AP PHOTO/CHRISTIAN BRUNA

Bayern Munich players celebrate Joshua Kimmich's winning goal (middle) in the second quarter-final of the Champions League against Arsenal at the Allianz Arena in Munich on Thursday (18/4/2024) early morning Western Indonesia Time. Bayern advanced after winning 1-0 and leading the aggregate, 3-2.

MUENCHEN, THURSDAY — One goal separated the winners and losers in the quarter-final between Bayern Munich and Arsenal. Even though the final score was very close, the difference between the two teams in experience seemed so unequal. Bayern proved that experience is not just a myth.

Bayern won a ticket to the semifinals of the Champions League after winning 1-0 over Arsenal at the Allianz Arena Stadium on Thursday (18/4/2024) early morning WIB. Home wing defender Joshua Kimmich's single goal was the difference in a match that lasted more than an hour. Bayern qualified 3-2 on aggregate.

”What a great victory. This season has been very difficult for us. We have to fight through that. We know we can make a difference in front of our own fans. "The expectation at this club is always to try to win the Champions League," Bayern striker Harry Kane told TNT Sports.

The last time Arsenal appeared in the knockout phase, seven years ago, they were also eliminated by Bayern in the round of 16 with an aggregate score of 2-10. Although they did not lose as badly as before, this result is more painful for the Arsenal squad. It was evident in Martin Odegaard and his teammates who look crestfallen with gloomy faces.

Also read: The nuances of Bayern and Arsenal's anger at the Allianz Arena

It's no wonder that Arsenal is much favored in the quarterfinals duel. It is the best squad of "The Gunners" in the last decade. Conversely, Bayern experienced the opposite. However, experience speaks volumes. Arsenal has just returned to the Champions League this season, while Bayern has been competing every season.

AFP/ODD ANDERSEN

Bayern Munich player Joshua Kimmich celebrated his goal against Arsenal in the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinals, early Thursday morning (18/4/2024) Indonesian time.

Bayern's single goal separated the maturity of the two teams. After appearing with neat defense for 63 minutes, Arsenal conceded an unexpected goal. The team coached by Manager Mikel Arteta was not alert to Kimmich's movement into the penalty box to meet Raphael Guerreiro's cross.

We made a big mistake in the penalty box and admission. After that, we tried all ways, but everything became harder.

Kimmich, the winner of the 2019-2020 Champions League, rarely enters the penalty box. He assists Leroy Sane more on the right side. However, Kimmich saw a gap in Arsenal's defense that was too focused on Sane. That small detail made the difference. All Arsenal players only watched his movements in the goal-scoring process.

Also read: Arteta and Arsenal's Defense Share Sins

"You can see today, there cannot be any mistake at all at this level. We made big mistakes in the penalty box and conceded. After that, we tried everything, but everything became more difficult. We had a lot of moments, but just didn't have enough spark in the penalty box," said Arteta.

Bayern seemed to smell blood after taking the lead. The away team appeared panicked with various passing errors and coordination. Meanwhile, Bayern only led by a narrow margin in terms of shots 8-7 and ball possession 50.9 percent before the goal. Arsenal only managed to produce one shot after the goal, while Bayern created seven chances.

Not only earlier this morning, but Arsenal also made two fatal mistakes in defense that led to a pair of goals in the first match. This is what caused Arsenal to fail to win at home. "Very small moments can make a difference. We lost to a team that has a lot of experience," Arteta added.

AP PHOTO/CHRISTIAN BRUNA

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard regrets their failure to reach the Champions League semi-finals after losing 0-1 to Bayern Munich early Thursday (18/4/2024) morning, West Indonesia Time.

According to Squawka, Arsenal have been knocked out by Bayern five times in the Champions League knockout phase. Only Real Madrid (6), by Bayern, have been knocked out more times by one team in the history of the tournament. Meanwhile, since 2012, Arsenal have been kicked out of the tournament four times by Bayern.

Tuchel versus Arteta chess match

The difference in experience is also visible from the field side. Bayern is led by Coach Thomas Tuchel who once led Chelsea to win the 2020-2021 Champions League. Meanwhile, Arteta is experiencing his first taste of being in the biggest tournament in Europe. Tuchel won the chess battle because he was more mature.

Also read: Bayern Munich's “Small Apocalypse” and the Irony of Kane

Tuchel is not worried about playing somewhat pragmatically in front of his own supporters. Bayern again used the midfield block that was used in the first match. They were not aggressive in pressing when Arsenal built attacks from the back. As is known, the away team always has difficulty facing the midfield block throughout this season.

With a somewhat defensive strategy, Bayern only produced one on-target shot during the first 45 minutes. "It was a game of chess in the first half. No one wanted to make a mistake. Everyone played it safe. There were moments for us, and also for Arsenal. We played more boldly in the second half and the result was fantastic," said Tuchel.

Arsenal is much more aggressive when without the ball. They dare to play with a high block, including pressing the opponent's goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer. However, the away team's aggression is not significant. Bayern is very calm when holding the ball. Neuer can always be an extra player to break the opponent's pressure.

AFP/MICHAELA STACHE

Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel (left) celebrates the success of advancing to the Champions League semi-finals after defeating Arsenal 1-0 on Thursday (April 18, 2024) early in the morning WIB.

The attack from Bayern's right side is very dangerous. After halftime, midfielder Leon Goretzka's header attempt hit the goalpost. It all started from Kimmich's cross that was left free by Arsenal players. Sane's attraction was so great.

According to Arteta, as a team with limited experience, their performance has exceeded expectations. "This club has not appeared in the Champions League for seven years. That is the reality. But we are already very close. We have to overcome this pain and rise up with the same attitude as before," he said.

With this result, Bayern can alleviate the pain of losing the German League title that was just won by Bayer Leverkusen last weekend. On the other hand, Arsenal is on the edge of a cliff. They are potentially ending the season without a title after poor results in their last two matches. (AP/REUTERS)