Arsenal made a bitterly disappointing exit from the Champions League as they were beaten by Bayern Munich in a euphoric atmosphere at Allianz Arena.

Joshua Kimmich's powerful 63rd-minute header from Raphael Guerreiro's cross was enough to send the Germans through to the semi-finals 3-2 on aggregate after the two teams had drawn 2-2 in London in the first leg.

Despite being held at Emirates Stadium, Arsenal were confident of advancing against a Bayern Munich side who had endured a poor domestic season and were without key players Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman because of injury.

In a tight and cagey second leg, watched by Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke, Gabriel Martinelli had the best chance of the first half for the Gunners but shot straight at Manuel Neuer after Jamal Musiala had forced David Raya into a full-stretch save at the other end.

While Harry Kane had just nine touches in the opening 45 minutes, Neuer was forced into another save by Martin Odegaard's deflected attempt, which had the long-serving Bayern Munich keeper scrambling across his line.

With so much at stake for both teams, it was perhaps understandable chances were in limited supply but the second half was a livelier affair with Leon Goretzka heading against the post before Guerreiro's follow up was scrambled away by Raya, via the post.

But Kimmich's attacking header proved decisive and ensured Arsenal's wait to win the Champions League for the first time goes on.

Bayern will meet Real Madrid in the semi-finals after the record 14-time winners knocked out Manchester City on penalties.

"It's been a tough season for us," said England captain Kane, who scored in the first leg at Emirates Stadium.

"To reach the semi-finals is a great achievement for us and we can enjoy it. The expectation here is to try and win the Champions League."

While Bayern Munich's players celebrated in front of their jubilant fans at the final whistle, Arsenal's players looked dispirited after a damaging few days.

There has been talk about a possible Premier League-Champions League double, but with Arsenal now out of Europe, they have to regroup quickly and keep themselves in the hunt for the domestic title.

They are away at Wolves on Saturday and cannot afford to drop any more points after losing their place at the top of the table to Manchester City following defeat at home to Aston Villa.

That result, coupled with Wednesday's defeat in Germany, will inevitably lead to comparisons with last season, when Arsenal dropped crucial points in the run-in and ended up with nothing after starting April with an eight-point lead at the top.

Their season is not over by a long stretch but they must put this disappointing European exit behind them - over the tie, they were ahead for just six of the 180 minutes against Bayern Munich.

"We have to go through the pain tonight and get up tomorrow and come in with the same attitude we had here," said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta afterwards.

"Today we had moments of dominance but that spark around the box is what you need to get the victory.

"Now's the time to stay close to the players and support them because they're the ones who have taken us on this journey."

Source: BBC

BDST: 1212 HRS, APR 18, 2024
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