Arsenal Have Been Handed a Huge Champions League Advantage Over Bayern Munich Ahead of Today’s Clash

According to a report by Football London on October 21, 2026, Arsenal have been handed a significant advantage ahead of their UEFA Champions League clash against Bayern Munich, with the German giants set to be without influential winger Michael Olise through suspension.

Mikel Arteta’s side will travel to the Allianz Arena for what promises to be one of their toughest tests of the European campaign so far. However, Olise’s absence could give the Gunners a major boost as they look to secure another important victory against the Bundesliga champions.

Arsenal have started their Champions League campaign strongly, recording victories over Napoli and Lille in the league phase. The north London club also enter the contest with confidence after securing a narrow 1-0 Premier League victory over Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

Bayern, meanwhile, will have to cope without one of their most dangerous attacking players after Olise was sent off during their previous Champions League fixture against Norwegian side Viking on October 13.

The French international received a second yellow card after throwing the ball at an opposing player, having earlier been booked for pulling an opponent’s shirt. His dismissal means he will miss the meeting with Arsenal.

Bayern had trailed 2-0 at half-time against Viking before fighting back to secure a 3-3 draw. However, Olise’s late red card became a major talking point, with manager Vincent Kompany describing the winger’s actions as “super dumb”.

Kompany also acknowledged that the player regretted his behaviour, saying: “You can see in [Olise’s] eyes that he’s sorry about it and that he regrets letting the team down.”

The suspension represents a considerable setback for Bayern, considering Olise’s impressive performances this season. The former Crystal Palace winger has recorded nine goals and five assists in 10 appearances across competitions, continuing the excellent form he displayed last season.

Without him, Bayern will have to rely even more heavily on the likes of Harry Kane, Luis Diaz and Lennart Karl to provide the attacking threat against Arsenal.

Arteta’s defence will still face a difficult challenge against Bayern’s remaining attacking options, but Olise’s absence removes one of the German side’s most creative players from the equation.

Arsenal also have positive memories of their previous meeting with Bayern. The Gunners recorded a convincing 3-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium last season, with Jurrien Timber, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli finding the net.

Furthermore, Arsenal have won their last 14 Champions League league-phase matches, dating back to November 2024, according to the report.

With that impressive record and Bayern missing a key attacking threat, Arteta’s men will have reason to believe they can secure another positive result in Munich.

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