Bayern Munich beat Arsenal to reach Champions League semis: Stats
Bayern Munich put in an experienced performance against Arsenal in their UEFA Champions League quarter-finals second-leg tie at the Allianz Arena. Both teams came into this contest with the score reading 2-2 from the first leg. After a goalless first half, it was Joshua Kimmich's bullet header that was the difference. Bayern put in a shift to keep Arsenal at bay.
Summary of the first half
The first half between Bayern and Arsenal produced few chances. Gabriel Martinelli had the best chance. He arrived in the penalty area unmarked after being picked out by skipper Martin Odegaard. But the Brazilian fired straight at Manuel Neuer. For Bayern, Jamal Musiala tested David Raya with a long curling effort. Both teams seemed cautious and tactically aware. Harry Kane didn't have much impact.
Kimmich's goal hands Bayern the decisive goal
Two minutes into the restart, Kimmich's cross found Goretzka, who headed the ball towards the far corner. Raya was beaten but the ball hit the crossbar. After the hour mark, Leroy Sane's initial cross was tipped away by Raya. Raphael Guerreiro picked up the loose ball and whipped in a dangerous cross as Kimmich headed in. Arsenal failed to come up with an answer.
Here are the match stats
Bayern produced 15 shots on target and had three shots on target. Arsenal had three shots on target from nine attempts. Arsenal edged past Bayern in terms of touches in the opposition box - 25-23. Bayern had 52% ball possession and an 86% pass accuracy.
Sorry numbers for the Gunners against Bayern
Arsenal have been eliminated from the Champions League knockout stage by Bayern for a fifth time. Arsenal have lost more games against the Bavarians than any other side (8). The Gunners have won one of their seven away games against Bayern (D1 L5). Arsenal have lost in each of their last three trips to face Bayern in the Champions League.
Thomas Tuchel makes history
As per Opta, Thomas Tuchel is the first German coach to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League with three different clubs (PSG, Chelsea and Bayern Munich).
21st semi-final appearance for Bayern
Six-time European Cup/UEFA Champions League winners Bayern have reached their 21st semi-final, including 13 in UCL format. Notably, they are five-time runners-up in the competition. Arsenal were looking to reach their 3rd Champions League semis. Arsenal last did so in 2008-09 under Arsene Wenger.
Neuer makes Champions League history
Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer now has the most clean sheets in Champions League history. Making his 138th apperance, the former Schalke goalkeeper registered his 58th clean sheet. He surpassed Iker Casillas (57). Gianluigi Buffon (52) and Edwin van der Sar (50) are the other two keepers with 50-plus clean sheets.
