Arsenal 0 Bayern Munich 2: Arsenal left with mountain to climb after disastrous night that saw Wojciech Szczesny sent off and Mesut Ozil miss penalty

Don’t count us out yet, warns Mertesacker after 2-0 loss at home to Bayern

Jack Pitt-Brooke
Wednesday 19 February 2014 21:00 EST
Comments
Arjen Robben is brought down by Wojciech Szczesny during Bayern Munich's 2-0 victory over Arsenal
Arjen Robben is brought down by Wojciech Szczesny during Bayern Munich's 2-0 victory over Arsenal (GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Arsenal were left clinging to the hope of another miracle performance in Munich after a disastrous night in which they missed a penalty, had Wojciech Szczesny sent off and conceded a two-goal first-leg lead to Bayern Munich.

Last year, they won 2-0 at the Allianz Arena, after losing 3-1 at the Emirates, and Per Mertesacker insisted last night that they could still go through. “We lost here 3-1 last year against Bayern Munich and went there and beat them,” Mertesacker said. “We are looking forward to Munich. Why can’t we get back in it?”

Bayern only won the last-16 tie last year on away goals, and for the final five minutes of the second leg Arsenal were a goal away from victory.

Last night hinged on a disastrous penalty miss by Mesut Özil after just eight minutes. Then, Szczesny clattered into Arjen Robben and was sent off. Although Bayern also missed a penalty, they took full advantage of the extra man and won with goals from Toni Kroos and Thomas Müller.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in