The Champions League quarter-finals are upon us and for the first time in 14 years Arsenal fans are looking forward to seeing their team in action.
The hunt for a first Premier League title in 20 years goes on pause for the time being, with the Gunners aiming to reach the last four of the Champions League. Tonight they take on old foes Bayern Munich, looking to end a run of three straight 5-1 defeat to the German giants. It’s a tough ask for Mikel Arteta‘s team, but now could be the best time to face the Bavarians.
Bayern are going to miss out on the Bundesliga title for the first time in 12 years, with Bayer Leverkusen one win away from wrapping up the title. They lost 3-2 to Heidenheim at the weekend to all-but hand the crown to Leverkusen.
And there’s another good reason to be taking on Bayern now too – there will be no German fans inside the Emirates Stadium for the first leg tonight. Arsenal’s ground will be full to the brim with Gunners supporters, with the Gunners hierarchy issuing a threat to any fans planning to sell their tickets to Bayern supporters.
That is because UEFA have given Munich supporters a stadium ban for throwing flares onto the pitch during their last 16 clash with Lazio. UEFA handed Bayern a fine of €40,000 in October for doing the same thing and were warned of a stadium ban if it happened again.
Speaking about the prospect, Bukayo Saka said: “A stadium full of Gooners! I’m excited, all with the boys excited so we need to recover and be ready for Tuesday.”
Mikel Arteta’s team made it to the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in 14 years after defeating Porto in a penalty shootout in the last 16. Bayern had a more straightforward path, beating Lazio 3-1 on aggregate in the previous round.
They will face either Real Madrid or Manchester City in the semi-final if they overcome Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreese said: “We have to accept this punishment. Not only were pyrotechnics set off, but also fired deliberately onto the field, directly endangering bystanders.
“This was such an explicit violation of the conditions of probation that an appeal is unfortunately futile. The fact we now have to play away without the support of our fans is a big blow. A small group of individual offenders have done a disservice to all our supporters and the team.”
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