Mikel Arteta has challenged Arsenal to prove their wretched Champions League record against Bayern Munich is ancient history as the Gunners look to seize their “special” opportunity to reach the semi-finals.
Arteta’s side have endured a series of chastening defeats against Bayern over the last decade, but Arteta expects them to reverse that trend in Tuesday’s quarter-final first leg.
Beaten 5-1 in each of their last three meetings with Bayern, Arsenal were eliminated from the Champions League by the German club in the last 16 in 2017, 2014, 2013 and 2005.
However, Premier League leaders Arsenal are in superb form, while Bayern arrive at the Emirates Stadium in turmoil.
Arteta puts no stock in his club’s past problems against Bayern and the Spaniard called on his players to justify his faith.
Arsenal have not made the Champions League semi-finals since 2009 and will be playing in the last eight for the first time since 2010.
While Bayern are well below their usual standards this term, Arteta is relishing the opportunity to face the six-time European champions.
Bayern squandered a two-goal lead in a 3-2 loss to Heidenheim last weekend that all but extinguished their slim hopes of catching Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen.
Thomas Tuchel’s troubled team have lost five of their last 10 games in all competitions.
Yet Arteta’s respect for Tuchel — a Champions League winner with Chelsea in 2021 — ensured he would not underestimate Bayern.
Even the presence of Bayern striker Harry Kane, who scored a north London derby record 14 goals against Arsenal during his time with Tottenham, is unlikely to rattle the Gunners.