Renee Slegers is eager to reignite Arsenal's rivalry with Bayern Munich in the Champions League. The two teams will meet at Allianz Arena on Wednesday. Arsenal started their group campaign with a 5-2 loss
to Bayern, continuing their poor start to the 2024-25 season. After a defeat against Chelsea in the Women's Super League, Jonas Eidevall resigned as manager, and Slegers took over.
Under Slegers' leadership, Arsenal remained unbeaten in eleven matches across all competitions. They secured a spot in the Champions League quarter-finals by finishing top of their group. This was confirmed after a 3-2 victory against Bayern at home. The two clubs have faced each other four times previously in the Champions League, with each game won by the home team.
Slegers anticipates another challenging match for her team, who recently drew with Chelsea in the WSL. "It's less than a year ago since we played against them," Slegers told reporters. "They still have quite some players that are similar in their qualities. " She acknowledged Bayern's threat from set-pieces and praised their ability to create problems for opponents.
Slegers highlighted their last encounter with Bayern as pivotal for Arsenal's season. Mariona Caldentey's late penalty secured three points, sparking comebacks against Real Madrid and Lyon in subsequent rounds. Arsenal eventually triumphed over Barcelona 1-0 in the final, claiming their second Champions League title 18 years after their first.
Attention turns to the @UWCL Sobha Realty Training Centre pic.twitter.com/NLlH6pKURN
- Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) November 11, 2025
Slegers became the first Dutch manager to win the Champions League and only the third overall across both men's and women's competitions. Reflecting on this achievement, she said: "I think I've done a few interviews since. " She emphasised that it was a significant part of their journey as a team and highlighted their resilience during challenging conditions.
Despite losing their opening league phase match against Lyon this season, Arsenal bounced back with a victory over Benfica. However, they face a tough challenge away to Bayern. Bayern has won all four of their home games against English clubs in the Champions League, including two against Arsenal and Chelsea.
Slegers expressed confidence in her team's potential beyond just football skills: "Of course, I've always believed in this team and the quality we have. " She noted how they managed to secure victories even under difficult circumstances like rain and wind during matches.
The upcoming clash between these two strong teams promises an exciting contest for fans. Both sides are determined to showcase their strengths on the European stage once again.
