“I couldn’t believe that wasn’t given. That is a clear penalty. I’ve got my hands on top of my head. I can’t believe it.” – Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta is stunned by the referee’s stunning blunder in not giving Arsenal a penalty after Bukayo Saka was fouled.

The Champions League quarter-finals kicked off with two monumental clashes: Real Madrid versus Manchester City and Arsenal against Bayern Munich.

The matches showcased a breathtaking exhibition of football, reigniting the passion of fans for the Champions League.

Despite previous criticisms and doubts surrounding the tournament’s quality following a lackluster round of 16, the opening quarter-final fixtures mesmerized viewers with their captivating performances.

Featuring four elite teams, the games resulted in two draws, producing a total of 10 goals and a spectacle of chaos on the pitch.

The elimination of the away goals rule, initially met with lamentation, has brought about positive changes. Home teams now approach matches with less trepidation about conceding and demonstrate an attacking mindset from the outset.

Both Arsenal and Manchester City from the Premier League initiated proceedings with aggression, met in kind by the renowned powerhouses Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

Throughout the matches, teams traded blows in exhilarating fashion over the course of 90 minutes in London and Madrid.

The stage is now set for next week’s fixtures, promising further enthralling encounters.

At first glance, the visit of Bayern Munich to the Emirates Stadium seemed to favor the home side, given their strong domestic performance.

Bayern’s illustrious European history, boasting six titles and a record 22 quarter-final appearances, underscored their resilience.

Key figures like Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Alphonso Davies, and Serge Gnabry showcased their championship-winning experience, particularly evident in Goretzka’s standout display and Gnabry’s crucial equalizer.

In contrast, despite Arsenal’s impressive form in the Premier League, their squad and manager lack extensive Champions League experience.

For many, including manager Arteta and the majority of the squad, this season marks their debut in the competition. While players like Jorginho and Kai Havertz of Chelsea lifted the trophy in 2021, Arsenal’s squad remains relatively youthful and in a learning phase.

Leandro Trossard’s pivotal goal injects Arsenal with a significant morale boost as they head into the return leg.

Bayern Munich will approach the fixture at the Allianz Arena with quiet confidence, relying on their track record and experience to potentially sway the outcome in their favor.