New format has defanged Europe's biggest clashes

The last time Arsenal met Bayern Munich in the Champions League, staff felt there was a “nervous energy” around the Gunners squad.

- MIGUEL DELANEY

That was back in the 2023-24 quarter-finals, which was the first time the club had even reached that stage in 14 years.

Mikel Arteta's side weren't quite ready for the level, and that pregame feeling was borne out by a 3-2 aggregate defeat. It would take last season's quarterfinal victory over Real Madrid to make them really believe they were a Champions League team again.

Now they believe they can be even more, including Champions League winners. As Arsenal sit at the top of the competition's group with four wins from four and a goal difference of plus 11, there is a fair argument that they are currently the best side in Europe. Except, there's an edge, on which this very fixture sits.

Bayern have that claim, too. The perpetual German champions have the same record as Arsenal but actually sit above them in the Champions League table due to goals scored - 14 versus 11, although Arteta's side haven't yet conceded a goal. Bayern may change that.