Match reports

Bayern Munich vs Arsenal ends 2-2 as Rice denies hosts at Allianz Arena

Arsenal left the Allianz Arena with a Champions League point after Declan Rice struck late in a 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich. Bayern were without Joshua Kimmich, while Michael Olise was suspended.

Declan Rice celebrating after scoring for Arsenal against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena

Bayern Munich vs Arsenal ended 2-2 in the Champions League on 21 October 2026, with Declan Rice scoring a superb 82nd-minute equaliser at the Allianz Arena. The result gave Arsenal a valuable away draw after a demanding night against Bayern.

The match, which had live updates from 8pm BST, brought together two of Europe’s heavyweight clubs and was shaped by both the final score and the players unavailable or left out from the start.

Rice rescues Arsenal late in Munich

Rice’s equaliser arrived in the 82nd minute and ensured Arsenal avoided defeat in Germany. The midfielder’s late goal completed Arsenal’s fightback and fixed the final score at 2-2.

For Arsenal, the draw followed a 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest. The Champions League test in Munich was a step up in profile and intensity, and Rice’s intervention ensured the visitors took something from the Allianz Arena.

The result will sit among the notable Champions League match results of the round, with Arsenal earning a point away to Bayern and Bayern being denied a home victory in the closing stages.

Bayern line led by Kane, but Kimmich absent

Bayern were without Joshua Kimmich following a death in his immediate family. His absence removed one of Bayern’s most influential players from the matchday picture.

Harry Kane led the line for Bayern. The England striker was the central figure in attack as Bayern looked to make home advantage count against Premier League opposition.

Former Liverpool winger Luis Diaz was named on the bench. Michael Olise was not available because of suspension, following his two-yellows-in-two-minutes incident during Bayern’s 3-3 draw at Viking.

Arsenal make two changes from Forest win

Arsenal made two changes to their starting XI from the side that beat Nottingham Forest 1-0. Noni Madueke and Jurriën Timber came into the team.

Eberechi Eze and Ben White dropped to the bench as Arsenal adjusted their selection for the Champions League fixture. The changes gave Arsenal a different look at the Allianz Arena while keeping much of the side that had won in the Premier League intact.

Those selection calls formed part of a demanding away assignment in Munich, where Arsenal had to respond before Rice’s late equaliser secured the draw.

Key details from Allianz Arena

  • Competition: Champions League
  • Date: 21 October 2026
  • Venue: Allianz Arena
  • Result: Bayern Munich 2-2 Arsenal
  • Key moment: Declan Rice’s 82nd-minute equaliser
  • Bayern team news: Joshua Kimmich absent; Harry Kane led the line; Luis Diaz on the bench; Michael Olise suspended
  • Arsenal team news: Noni Madueke and Jurriën Timber replaced Eberechi Eze and Ben White in the starting XI

The final word belonged to the scoreline: Bayern Munich 2-2 Arsenal. Rice’s late goal ensured Arsenal left Munich level, while Bayern were left to reflect on a Champions League home game that slipped away late.

Tags:#Bayern Munich vs Arsenal#Champions League 2-2#Declan Rice 82nd-minute equaliser#Joshua Kimmich absent#Michael Olise suspended#Allianz Arena