Trossard's Strike Earns Arsenal a 2-2 Draw Against Bayern in Champions League Quarterfinal First Leg
Gunners Battle Back to Salvage Tie at Emirates Stadium
Odegaard and Saka in Doubt for Second Leg
London, United Kingdom - Leandro Trossard's late equalizer secured a valuable 2-2 draw for Arsenal against Bayern Munich in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal on Wednesday. The Belgian winger's strike in the 90th minute canceled out goals from Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Thomas Müller, giving the Gunners a slight edge heading into the second leg in Munich.
Arsenal started the match brightly and threatened early on through Bukayo Saka and Martinelli. However, Bayern Munich gradually asserted their dominance and took the lead through Choupo-Moting in the 31st minute. Müller doubled the visitors' advantage just after the hour mark with a close-range finish.
The Gunners refused to be disheartened and pulled one back through Granit Xhaka in the 82nd minute. Trossard's equalizer in the dying moments of the match sparked wild celebrations at the Emirates Stadium. The draw leaves the tie finely balanced, with Arsenal needing at least a score draw in the second leg to progress to the semifinals.
However, Mikel Arteta's side will be sweating over the fitness of Martin Odegaard and Saka ahead of the return fixture in Munich. Both players were forced off injured during the match and their availability for the second leg is in doubt. Arsenal will be desperate to have their key playmakers available as they aim to reach the Champions League semifinals for the first time since 2009.
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