Kimmich Secures Bayern’s Semifinal Spot with Goal against Arsenal

Kimmich was the hero for Bayern with the only goal of the match. Photo: AFP

Phew, my skin is saved (for now). Bayern has qualified for the semi-finals of the Champions League at the expense of Arsenal. After a tactical duel, Joshua Kimmich scored the only goal of the match with a striking header. Substitute Leandro Trossard was also unable to turn the tide for the visitors. Despite a lousy season, the Germans still have a chance of winning a prize, the Gunners only have the English title race left.

A season with or without prize? The commitment for Bayern Munich after Leverkusen’s German national title could not have been clearer. An early elimination from the Champions League would mean a gigantic catastrophe for the Rekordmeister. After the draw at the Emirates Stadium, Thomas Tuchel’s troops needed a win for their own fans, simple, right?

One problem: Arsenal is also playing with a knife to their throat. After the home defeat against Aston Villa – the first loss in 12 matches – fans fear that the English title race is over. The shortest path to success for The Gunners is – indeed – the cup with the big ears. A first semi-final in fifteen years, it would (temporarily) temper the healthy pessimism of the fans.

Still a boost in the sick bay at both clubs: doubtful cases Sané and Neuer started at Bayern, coach Mikel Arteta could count on a fit Odegaard and Saka again. As expected, Gabriel Martinelli was favored over Leandro Trossard, who scored a goal in the first leg.

Poor first half

It quickly became clear in the first half that there was a lot of pressure on. Both teams huddled in their hedgehog position and shunned the risks. Halfway through the first half the match finally got going with opportunities through the Germans. Mazrouai kicked wide for the home team, Musiala put Arsenal goalkeeper Raya to work for the first time.

Arsenal was gradually able to convert its dominance into opportunities. A stumbling Neuer first knocked Odegaard’s deflected shot out of his goal, and moments later Martinelli fired too centrally with his left. By the way, has anyone seen Harry Kane? No, we didn’t really get excited about this tactical jousting.

Jesus in duel met Musiala. Photo: EPA-EFE

Loser Kimmich

What would Thomas Tüchel have shouted at his men during halftime? There was certainly no long wait for a spectacle in the second half. First Goretzka headed against the post, in the restart Guerreiro’s attempt flew just wide via the goal post. Arsenal escaped, the Germans stepped up a gear.

Just before the hour it finally happened. A cross from Sané initially yielded nothing. On the other hand, a very strong Guerreiro did better. The approaching Kimmich trumped Martinelli and scored with a steely header. 1-0, Bayern smelled blood. Sané rushed the double lead over Raya’s goal.

Time for Arteta to intervene: the Arsenal coach sent Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus onto the field. Together the pair scored a great 2-2 at home last week. But the away team lacked verve and opportunities were not forthcoming. Is the team in a dip in form after all? Playmaker Ødegaard also did not seem completely fit, Havertz did not have a super day.

For example, Bayern needs a 1-0 win for a place in the last four in the Champions League. After Dortmund, a second German team has now also advanced to the semi-finals. That’s where Real Madrid awaits, which eliminated Manchester City at home on penalties. Will outgoing coach Thomas Tuchel still win a prize?

Kane clenches his fists: the semi-finals have been reached. Photo: REUTERS Substitute Trossard could not turn the tide for Arsenal. Photo: Arsenal FC via Getty Images

2024-04-17 21:02:00
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