Bayern Munich against Arsenal

Bayern slip into time wasting mode. Why didn't they have a man on the post from the corner? He'd have cleared that easily.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Koscielny apparently booked after the goal - presumably for the goalmouth scramble to get the ball back.

Koscielny rises to nod home, a huge scrum erupts as Arsenal try and get the ball back. Players hitting the turf all over the place. Arsenal have five minutes to rescue the tie!

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> It's in! And the comeback is on!

Oxlade-Chamberlain wins a corner.

Last throw of the dice for Arsenal now - they may as well go hell for leather.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> The ref has gone totally card happy - Cazorla now booked for a trip.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Muller forces a parry out of Fabianski after another loose ball in the box. Then Martinez and Koscielny clash. Bayern player booked and he'll miss the next game if they go through.

Still almost a deathly hush inside the stadium. This is not German football at its best, on the pitch or in the stands.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Another Bayern change, Kroos replaced by Tymoshchuk.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Mertesacker gets done with the old knock it past you, run into you trick. Booked.

Whatever happens Arsenal can be proud of their efforts tonight.

Superb skill from Gervinho! He swaps passes with Cazorla inside the area, executes a lovely drag back to open up a shot but then pokes wide of the far post. Great effort.

Now the Ox flicks for Jenkinson and Alaba concedes a corner. Oh, no, the ref gives a goal kick. Awful.

Threatening for Arsenal as The OX feeds Jenkinson, his low cross is met by Giroud, who can't knock it to Cazorla for a shot on goal. Better from Arsenal.

Robben with a poor finish after coming inside well on his left foot. Fires high and wide. Bayern getting closer.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Giroud kicks the ball against the advertising boards but is still booked, despite the ball retuning to where his handball took place.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Mario Gomez comes on for Mandzukic.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> A woeful effort from Kroos. And now a change for Arsenal as Gervinho and Oxlade-Chamberlain come on for Ramsey and Walcott. Why Theo is coming off I don't know.

Arsenal have lost any purchase up front. Bayern looking the more likely to score.

The corner is cleared to Robben, who fires wide on the volley.

Now a vital block as a ball inside the area breaks for Martinez. Gibbs blocks. Corner.

A huge chance to seal the game as Robben charges clear from Muller's superb back heel - he takes an age to shoot and hits it right at Fabianski.

Arsenal have been very good at the back tonight - Koscielny wins an important header from a Bayern free kick. Nearly time for Arsenal to open up surely...

Kroos now fires wide from a good position as Heynckes look on ruefully.

Gustavo curls wide after a good pull back from Lahm. He went for a curler into the far corner but sent it a foot wide.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Rosicky carded for a poor tackle on Robben. He did stop the counter though.

A quick throw from Bayern catches Arsenal out and they are fortunate that Mandzukic's effort deflects off Mertesacker and into Fabianski's arms.

Cazorla's effort hits the wall.

Nice move from Arsenal as Giroud lays off to Rosicky who goes wide for Walcott. As the ball comes back Gustavo upends the Czech.

Excellent from Arteta, charging out of his midfield rank to close down Kroos.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Lahm brings down Cazorla and is carded. The counter was on. Arsenal growing in confidence.

Muller fires a ball right across the face of goal with Fabianski nowhere near it. None of his team mates had followed it in.

It looked for a moment that Walcott was onside when Rosicky played the ball through but the flag went up. And the replay shows he was a good yard onside. Oh dear linesman. A big injustice and a great chance gone.

Rosicky gives the ball away poorly. He can't be long for this world. Giroud tries to score from 45 yards when Walcott and others were in support. Wenger goes bonkers at him.

Mandzukic goes down theatrically. Turns out Koscielny kicked his arm then the ball hit him in the face. He went down holding his face.

Not much happening in this half yet. Wonder when Arsenal will start to open up?

Steven Defour has been sent off for Porto against Malaga. Game level at 1-1 but Porto down to ten.

Koscielny makes a good block from a Kroos cross after another Robben run.

Now Kroos goes close from range, firing an effort a foot wide of the upright.

Robben goes close after a good run, firing a left foot shot wide via a deflection off Arteta. Fabianski was beaten.

No changes as we restart...

So, dare we dream? Arsenal's fan inside the stadium are. Interesting to see how Wenger goes about this half.

Very odd atmosphere in the ground - Bayern fans extremely quiet after the goal went in and only the Arsenal fans audible after that. Heynckes' charges looking far from potential European champions on this evidence.

<b>HALF TIME</b> - and a pretty perfect one for Arsenal. Reasonably solid at the back, and taking their one true chance of the half. Bayern still favourites of course, but that 45 minutes will give Wenger's men hope.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Gibbs carded for a clumsy tackle on Robben.

GOLAZO in Malaga! Isco with a beauty from range to bring the tie level at 1-1 on aggregate.

An aimless punt froward from Dante. Bayern far from at their best tonight.

A better spell for Arsenal.

A Saviola goal has been disallowed in Spain, for no discernible reason. A foul is given on the keeper when it was the keeper doing the fouling.

Giroud goes down and starts waving his arms about. Van Buyten banged into his knee but also got the ball.

Rosicky is having a terrible game. Nothing is sticking for him at all.

Vermaelen warming up intently. Gibbs still on for now though.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2013/0313/oliviergiroudcelebvbayern20130313_275x155.jpg"><br>Giroud celebrates his opener

For now though the left back wins an important header from a free kick. Robben over the corner, also cleared.

Gibbs looks like he's got a problem.

Arteta gets away with a meaty challenge. No cards in the game yet.

Nearly a carbon copy of Arsenal's opener as Walcott fires in a cross and Giroud is about a yard away from applying a finish.

Arsenal living dangerously now - they can;t keep hold of the ball for any length of time. Lahm's cross is cleared before Muller fires into the side of the post from a narrow angle.

Typically greedy from Robben, cutting inside and working a shooting chance, before dragging it wide.

Superb defending from Jenkinson as Robben broke over the halfway line - he muscles the winger out of the way and clears. Crucial intervention.

A better opening for Kroos now - similar to his goal in the first tie, but this time Fabianski is behind his strike.

A half chance for Rosicky as a bouncing ball deceives Alaba. Van Buyten tidies up.

Martinez hits a hopeful shot from the edge of the box after a swift cutback. It flies over the bar.

Gustavo's cross is met by Fabianski as Cazorla's failure to track back allows the overlap.

Still no goals in Malaga.

Twenty minutes in and I still haven't riffed on Dante yet. Wonder when he'll peak?

Bayern building a bit of a head of steam but Alaba's cross is right at Fabianski. Crowd still very quiet.

A misplaced pass from Cazorla. Arsenal haven't shown too much going forward since the goal.

Muller goes nuts after a corner is given to Arsenal. The ref marches over and tells him to button his lip.

Still some snowflakes falling and a lot of players slipping.

Arsenal defending much better too, illustrated there by Mertsesacker holding off Mandzukic as a ball rolled through to Fabianski.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2013/0313/oliviergiroudscoresvbayern20130313_275x155.jpg"><br>Giroud fires Arsenal in front

This ref is having no nonsense at all tonight. Anyone who dissents or gives him some back chat is getting a look as if he's going to punch them in the face.

Decent pressing from Arsenal as they force Bayern from the right wing back into their own half.

An Arsenal free kick from Cazorla almost finds Mertesacker. The ball was a bit too central though.

And what a chance from the corner as the ball finds its way to the back post and Gustavo fires over from 12 yards.

Muller wins a corner after some grappling at the near post with Jenkinson.

Support for the Gunners from an unlikely source: <i>@rioferdy5 - Go on Arsenal! Av a go at this mob!</i>

Great stat courtesy of Opta: Arsenal have scored inside three minutes in a Champions League game for the first time since Ljungberg vs Ajax in Sept 2005.

Kroos forces Fabianski into action from range as Bayern try to impose themselves on the game. Long way to go but all to play for now.

What a brilliant opening to the match for Arsenal. That has galvanised their players, their fans and stunned the home crowd.

What a start for Arsenal! Cazorla feeds Rosicky, he plays in Rosicky and his powerful cross is converted from three yards by Grioud.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Giroud scores! It's ON!

Jenkinson goes over the top looking for Walcott but Van Buyten gets there first.

A stab forward from Robben finds Mandzukic offside but Muller, who started deeper, was actually on.

<b>KICK OFF</b>

Some rather fierce handshakes between the officials before the game. They looked more like rappers than refs.

Thankfully the snow that was falling a few hours ago has vanished and we are all set. The Allianz Arena looking resplendent as ever.

My colleague Robin Hackett has live coverage of Malaga v Porto in the other tie of the night, the Portuguese side lead 1-0 from the first leg. <a href="http://espnfc.com/uk/en/gamecast/358617/gamecast.html?soccernet=true&cc=5739" target="_blank">You can join him here</a>, or why not have us both open?

So, what do Arsenal need to do to give themselves a chance? Stating the obvious first, play much better than in the first leg. Tighten up at the back, get Walcott and Cazorla on the ball as much as possible, and grab the first goal - that is a must.

Two changes for Bayern, out go Franck Ribery and Bastian Schweinsteiger, in come Arjen Robben and Luiz Gustavo.

As for the team news, Arsenal have rested captain Vermaelen and they make four other changes from the first leg. Out go Szczesny, Sagna, Podolski and Wilshere. In come Fabianski, Jenkinson, Gibbs, Rosicky and Giroud.

And for a fans point of view, have a look at Susie Schaaf's take on how <a href="http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/bayernmunich/id/693?cc=5739" target="_blank">Franck Ribery's absence offers Arsenal a glimmer of hope</a> and Andrew Mangan on how <a href="http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/arsenal/id/1176?cc=5739" target="_blank">Arsenal need a performance tonight to imbibe them with confidence for the rest of the Premier League season</a>.

With 45 minutes until kick off at 19.45 GMT, why not get in the mood with some pre-game reading. Here is <a href="http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1372935/bayern:-no-let-up-for-arsenal-in-munich?cc=5739" target="_blank">Thomas Muller on why Bayern will be "going for it"</a>, and here is <a href="http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/espnfcunited/id/4124?cc=5739" target="_blank">John Brewin on the likelihood of an Arsenal comeback</a>.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2012/0201/thomasvermaelenwoevbwfc_275x155.jpg"><br> Arsenal travel to Bayern Munich looking to overturn a 3-1 deficit from the first leg. But they'll have to do it without their captain, Thomas Vermaelen, who has been benched.

Threatening for Arsenal as The OX feeds Jenkinson, his low cross is met by Giroud, who can't knock it to Cazorla for a shot on goal. Better from Arsenal.

Robben with a poor finish after coming inside well on his left foot. Fires high and wide. Bayern getting closer.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Giroud kicks the ball against the advertising boards but is still booked, despite the ball retuning to where his handball took place.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Mario Gomez comes on for Mandzukic.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> A woeful effort from Kroos. And now a change for Arsenal as Gervinho and Oxlade-Chamberlain come on for Ramsey and Walcott. Why Theo is coming off I don't know.

Arsenal have lost any purchase up front. Bayern looking the more likely to score.

The corner is cleared to Robben, who fires wide on the volley.

Now a vital block as a ball inside the area breaks for Martinez. Gibbs blocks. Corner.

A huge chance to seal the game as Robben charges clear from Muller's superb back heel - he takes an age to shoot and hits it right at Fabianski.

Arsenal have been very good at the back tonight - Koscielny wins an important header from a Bayern free kick. Nearly time for Arsenal to open up surely...

Kroos now fires wide from a good position as Heynckes look on ruefully.

Gustavo curls wide after a good pull back from Lahm. He went for a curler into the far corner but sent it a foot wide.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Rosicky carded for a poor tackle on Robben. He did stop the counter though.

A quick throw from Bayern catches Arsenal out and they are fortunate that Mandzukic's effort deflects off Mertesacker and into Fabianski's arms.

Cazorla's effort hits the wall.

Nice move from Arsenal as Giroud lays off to Rosicky who goes wide for Walcott. As the ball comes back Gustavo upends the Czech.

Excellent from Arteta, charging out of his midfield rank to close down Kroos.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Lahm brings down Cazorla and is carded. The counter was on. Arsenal growing in confidence.

Muller fires a ball right across the face of goal with Fabianski nowhere near it. None of his team mates had followed it in.

It looked for a moment that Walcott was onside when Rosicky played the ball through but the flag went up. And the replay shows he was a good yard onside. Oh dear linesman. A big injustice and a great chance gone.

Rosicky gives the ball away poorly. He can't be long for this world. Giroud tries to score from 45 yards when Walcott and others were in support. Wenger goes bonkers at him.

Mandzukic goes down theatrically. Turns out Koscielny kicked his arm then the ball hit him in the face. He went down holding his face.

Not much happening in this half yet. Wonder when Arsenal will start to open up?

Steven Defour has been sent off for Porto against Malaga. Game level at 1-1 but Porto down to ten.

Koscielny makes a good block from a Kroos cross after another Robben run.

Now Kroos goes close from range, firing an effort a foot wide of the upright.

Robben goes close after a good run, firing a left foot shot wide via a deflection off Arteta. Fabianski was beaten.

No changes as we restart...

So, dare we dream? Arsenal's fan inside the stadium are. Interesting to see how Wenger goes about this half.

Very odd atmosphere in the ground - Bayern fans extremely quiet after the goal went in and only the Arsenal fans audible after that. Heynckes' charges looking far from potential European champions on this evidence.

<b>HALF TIME</b> - and a pretty perfect one for Arsenal. Reasonably solid at the back, and taking their one true chance of the half. Bayern still favourites of course, but that 45 minutes will give Wenger's men hope.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Gibbs carded for a clumsy tackle on Robben.

GOLAZO in Malaga! Isco with a beauty from range to bring the tie level at 1-1 on aggregate.

An aimless punt froward from Dante. Bayern far from at their best tonight.

A better spell for Arsenal.

A Saviola goal has been disallowed in Spain, for no discernible reason. A foul is given on the keeper when it was the keeper doing the fouling.

Giroud goes down and starts waving his arms about. Van Buyten banged into his knee but also got the ball.

Rosicky is having a terrible game. Nothing is sticking for him at all.

Vermaelen warming up intently. Gibbs still on for now though.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2013/0313/oliviergiroudcelebvbayern20130313_275x155.jpg"><br>Giroud celebrates his opener

For now though the left back wins an important header from a free kick. Robben over the corner, also cleared.

Gibbs looks like he's got a problem.

Arteta gets away with a meaty challenge. No cards in the game yet.

Nearly a carbon copy of Arsenal's opener as Walcott fires in a cross and Giroud is about a yard away from applying a finish.

Arsenal living dangerously now - they can;t keep hold of the ball for any length of time. Lahm's cross is cleared before Muller fires into the side of the post from a narrow angle.

Typically greedy from Robben, cutting inside and working a shooting chance, before dragging it wide.

Superb defending from Jenkinson as Robben broke over the halfway line - he muscles the winger out of the way and clears. Crucial intervention.

A better opening for Kroos now - similar to his goal in the first tie, but this time Fabianski is behind his strike.

A half chance for Rosicky as a bouncing ball deceives Alaba. Van Buyten tidies up.

Martinez hits a hopeful shot from the edge of the box after a swift cutback. It flies over the bar.

Gustavo's cross is met by Fabianski as Cazorla's failure to track back allows the overlap.

Still no goals in Malaga.

Twenty minutes in and I still haven't riffed on Dante yet. Wonder when he'll peak?

Bayern building a bit of a head of steam but Alaba's cross is right at Fabianski. Crowd still very quiet.

A misplaced pass from Cazorla. Arsenal haven't shown too much going forward since the goal.

Muller goes nuts after a corner is given to Arsenal. The ref marches over and tells him to button his lip.

Still some snowflakes falling and a lot of players slipping.

Arsenal defending much better too, illustrated there by Mertsesacker holding off Mandzukic as a ball rolled through to Fabianski.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2013/0313/oliviergiroudscoresvbayern20130313_275x155.jpg"><br>Giroud fires Arsenal in front

This ref is having no nonsense at all tonight. Anyone who dissents or gives him some back chat is getting a look as if he's going to punch them in the face.

Decent pressing from Arsenal as they force Bayern from the right wing back into their own half.

An Arsenal free kick from Cazorla almost finds Mertesacker. The ball was a bit too central though.

And what a chance from the corner as the ball finds its way to the back post and Gustavo fires over from 12 yards.

Muller wins a corner after some grappling at the near post with Jenkinson.

Support for the Gunners from an unlikely source: <i>@rioferdy5 - Go on Arsenal! Av a go at this mob!</i>

Great stat courtesy of Opta: Arsenal have scored inside three minutes in a Champions League game for the first time since Ljungberg vs Ajax in Sept 2005.

Kroos forces Fabianski into action from range as Bayern try to impose themselves on the game. Long way to go but all to play for now.

What a brilliant opening to the match for Arsenal. That has galvanised their players, their fans and stunned the home crowd.

What a start for Arsenal! Cazorla feeds Rosicky, he plays in Rosicky and his powerful cross is converted from three yards by Grioud.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Giroud scores! It's ON!

Jenkinson goes over the top looking for Walcott but Van Buyten gets there first.

A stab forward from Robben finds Mandzukic offside but Muller, who started deeper, was actually on.

<b>KICK OFF</b>

Some rather fierce handshakes between the officials before the game. They looked more like rappers than refs.

Thankfully the snow that was falling a few hours ago has vanished and we are all set. The Allianz Arena looking resplendent as ever.

My colleague Robin Hackett has live coverage of Malaga v Porto in the other tie of the night, the Portuguese side lead 1-0 from the first leg. <a href="http://espnfc.com/uk/en/gamecast/358617/gamecast.html?soccernet=true&cc=5739" target="_blank">You can join him here</a>, or why not have us both open?

So, what do Arsenal need to do to give themselves a chance? Stating the obvious first, play much better than in the first leg. Tighten up at the back, get Walcott and Cazorla on the ball as much as possible, and grab the first goal - that is a must.

Two changes for Bayern, out go Franck Ribery and Bastian Schweinsteiger, in come Arjen Robben and Luiz Gustavo.

As for the team news, Arsenal have rested captain Vermaelen and they make four other changes from the first leg. Out go Szczesny, Sagna, Podolski and Wilshere. In come Fabianski, Jenkinson, Gibbs, Rosicky and Giroud.

And for a fans point of view, have a look at Susie Schaaf's take on how <a href="http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/bayernmunich/id/693?cc=5739" target="_blank">Franck Ribery's absence offers Arsenal a glimmer of hope</a> and Andrew Mangan on how <a href="http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/arsenal/id/1176?cc=5739" target="_blank">Arsenal need a performance tonight to imbibe them with confidence for the rest of the Premier League season</a>.

With 45 minutes until kick off at 19.45 GMT, why not get in the mood with some pre-game reading. Here is <a href="http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1372935/bayern:-no-let-up-for-arsenal-in-munich?cc=5739" target="_blank">Thomas Muller on why Bayern will be "going for it"</a>, and here is <a href="http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/espnfcunited/id/4124?cc=5739" target="_blank">John Brewin on the likelihood of an Arsenal comeback</a>.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2012/0201/thomasvermaelenwoevbwfc_275x155.jpg"><br> Arsenal travel to Bayern Munich looking to overturn a 3-1 deficit from the first leg. But they'll have to do it without their captain, Thomas Vermaelen, who has been benched.