Arsenal’s perfect start to the UEFA Champions League league phase came to an end on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, after they were held to a 2-2 draw by Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. Meanwhile, Aston Villa continued their impressive European campaign with a 3-1 victory over Norwegian side Viking, maintaining their 100 per cent winning record after three matches.

Arsenal started brightly despite suffering an early setback when Bukayo Saka was forced off with an injury. Eberechi Eze replaced the England international and made an immediate impact, opening the scoring in the 25th minute after receiving a well-timed pass from captain Martin Ødegaard.

Bayern responded through Alphonso Davies, who levelled the score after Harry Kane supplied an excellent pass. The German champions grew stronger as the match progressed, putting Arsenal’s defence under sustained pressure.

The hosts took the lead in the 61st minute when Kane converted a penalty after Jurriën Timber handled the ball inside the area. The England striker continued his remarkable scoring run in the Champions League, putting Bayern in a strong position to claim all three points.

However, Arsenal refused to give up. Declan Rice rescued a point for the visitors in the 82nd minute, finishing a well-worked attacking move involving substitutes Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyökeres. His late equaliser ensured Mikel Arteta’s team avoided defeat in a difficult away fixture.

The result leaves Arsenal with seven points from their opening three matches, following victories over Napoli and Lille. Although their winning run ended, the draw preserved their unbeaten record in the competition this season.

Aston Villa, meanwhile, enjoyed another successful European evening by defeating Viking 3-1. Ross Barkley opened the scoring in the 23rd minute before Emiliano Buendía converted a penalty to double Villa’s advantage. An own goal by Viking defender Henrik Heggheim further strengthened the hosts’ position, while Viking scored a late consolation through Simen Christiansen.

Villa’s victory secured their third consecutive Champions League win, taking them to nine points from a possible nine and keeping them among the competition’s early pace-setters.

Arsenal will now look to return to winning ways in their next European fixture, while Villa will aim to extend their perfect record as the league phase continues.

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