Arsenal, Bayern Munich complete Champions League semi-final lineup

Arsenal and Bayern Munich secured their places in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in contrasting fashion, as one tie was defined by tension and control, while the other delivered pure chaos and late drama, joins Atlético Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

At the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal edged past Sporting CP with a goalless draw, progressing 1-0 on aggregate after their narrow first-leg victory.

It was far from a classic encounter, with both sides struggling to create clear chances in a match that recorded the lowest combined expected goals (0.93) of the 2025–26 campaign so far.

Holding the advantage, Arsenal approached the game cautiously, prioritizing defensive stability over attacking ambition.

Despite enjoying spells of possession, Mikel Arteta’s side found it difficult to break down a disciplined Sporting defense.

The visitors, needing a goal to stay alive, showed flashes of intent but lacked the clinical edge required to trouble the hosts consistently.

Sporting’s best chance came late in the first half when Geny Catamo struck the post following a swift counterattack, while Arsenal came closest after the break through substitute Leandro Trossard, whose header also hit the woodwork.

Beyond those moments, opportunities were scarce, with both defenses largely in control.

As the match entered its closing stages, tension gripped the Emirates. Sporting pushed forward in search of a late equalizer, but Arsenal’s backline held firm under pressure.

João Simões came closest in stoppage time with a low drive that drifted narrowly wide, but it proved to be the visitors’ final chance.

In the end, Arsenal’s resilience outweighed their lack of attacking fluency.

The Gunners booked their second semi-final appearance in two seasons, maintaining their unbeaten run in the competition and setting up a showdown with Atletico Madrid.

While Arsenal progressed through discipline, Bayern Munich delivered a night of breathtaking drama at the Allianz Arena, defeating Real Madrid 4-3 on the night and 6-4 on aggregate in a pulsating encounter.

The game exploded into life inside the opening minute when Arda Güler capitalized on a rare mistake from Manuel Neuer to give Madrid an early lead.

Bayern responded quickly through Aleksandar Pavlovic, only for Güler to restore Madrid’s advantage with a stunning long-range free-kick.

The back-and-forth continued as Harry Kane leveled the score again, but Kylian Mbappé struck before halftime to put Madrid ahead 3-2 on the night, leaving the tie level on aggregate at the break.

The second half maintained its relentless tempo, with both sides trading chances in an end-to-end spectacle.

The decisive moment came in the 86th minute when Eduardo Camavinga was sent off, reducing Madrid to 10 men at a critical stage.

Bayern seized the opportunity almost immediately. Luis Díaz curled home a superb equalizer before substitute Michael Olise produced a moment of brilliance in stoppage time, bending a stunning effort into the top corner to seal victory.

Tempers flared after the final whistle, with Güler shown a red card following protests, capping a chaotic night.

Despite Madrid registering a higher expected goals tally, Bayern’s clinical finishing in the closing moments proved decisive.

Vincent Kompany’s side now advance to face Paris Saint-Germain in what promises to be a blockbuster semi-final.

Photos

• Arsenal vs Sporting CP