Bayern Munich U19s draw 3-3 against Arsenal in epic UEFA Youth League encounter

Bayern’s previous UEFA Youth League outing ended in disappointment as Dante’s side lost 2-0 away to Viking in Stavanger. After they had made a far stronger start to the competition, thrashing Norwegian opponents FK Bodø/Glimt 6-1 in their opening match, the U19s were looking to get back on track in their highly anticipated match against Arsenal.

Bayern’s U19s faced an Arsenal side packed with potential. Marli Salmon, for example, is a highly rated defender who can also operate in midfield, while several members of the squad have already been involved with the first team in London.

Arsenal had beaten Napoli 2-1 before suffering a surprise 3-2 defeat by Lille. David Horseman named a full-strength side at the Bayern Campus, with all 11 starters coming from England.

Arsenal start brightly, but Bayern fight back to lead 3-1 at half-time

Arsenal started brightly against Bayern, playing with freedom from the outset. Their positive opening was rewarded in the 11th minute when left-back Hakeem Abubakar fired a superb strike beyond goalkeeper David Podar-Stiube.

Bayern needed a response, and Allen Lambe provided it in the 15th minute. Lambe and Guido Della Rovere won the ball back inside the Arsenal penalty area before Lambe calmly guided his finish past goalkeeper Jack Porter.

Bayern sensed the momentum shifting in their favour and went on to score two excellent goals before the break.

Erblin Osmani first converted from the penalty spot to make it 2-1 on the half-hour mark. Then, with half-time approaching, Guido Della Rovere made his mark again. This time, the Italian struck from well outside the box to beat Porter and give Bayern a 3-1 lead.

Bayern appear in control, but Arsenal strike late to snatch a draw

In the second half, Bayern appeared unlikely to surrender their lead, as Dante’s side largely controlled possession and managed the game well.

The momentum changed in the final 20 minutes. Marli Salmon first pulled one back from a goalmouth scramble, a light at the end of the tunnel for the London club. Bayern then had chances to put the result beyond doubt, but Arsenal equalised in the final minute of normal time.

Substitute Ethan Nwaneri found space to shoot from close range, and his effort went in off Podar-Stiube’s foot, heartbreak for Dante's side as it went on to end 3-3. Bayern will face Atlético Madrid in their next UEFA Youth League fixture in two weeks' time.

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