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Bayern Munich follows Arsenal to automatically qualify for the Champions League last 16.

Thursday, 22 January 2026 | 06:45

Author: Arif S

Striker Bayern Muenchen Harry Kane
Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane.
Source: Antaranews/X/FCBayernEN

Bayern Munich followed Arsenal into the Round of 16 of the 2025/2026 Champions League after securing victory against Union Saint-Gilloise (USG). Playing at Allianz Arena on Thursday, January 22, 2022 WIB, the German giants won 2-0 to guarantee automatic qualification.

This result reinforces Bayern's status as one of Europe's dominant forces, despite their shaky first-half performance. Vincent Kompany's side appeared unconvincing early on, though they created chances including through Harry Kane.

Visitors USG nearly took the lead in the 28th minute when Anan Khalaili's cross found Promise David for a header, but Manuel Neuer's reflex save denied the dangerous opportunity.

The goalless first half became a turning point for Bayern. After halftime, Die Roten's intensity surged dramatically. Harry Kane broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute, converting Michael Olise's corner assist.

Bayern's momentum continued. Just three minutes later, Kane scored again from the penalty spot after being fouled in the box. The England striker completed his duties perfectly, putting Bayern 2-0 ahead by the 55th minute.

Bayern were reduced to 10 men in the 63rd minute when Kim Min-jae received a red card for a harsh foul on Raul Florucz. This forced Bayern to cautiously protect their lead.

Vincent Kompany made tactical adjustments in the 67th minute, with the Belgian coach introducing Hiroki Ito and Alphonso Davies for Lennart Karl and Raphael Guerreiro to reinforce the defense.

The decision proved effective. Bayern maintained balance between defense and attack until the final whistle, preserving the 2-0 scoreline and securing three crucial points for the Bundesliga representatives.

This victory sends Bayern Munich automatically to the Champions League last 16. Currently second in the group stage with 18 points, Bayern followed Arsenal's path.

Bayern secured qualification despite having one match remaining, holding a five-point lead over ninth-placed Barcelona - the cutoff for automatic qualification.

Meanwhile, this defeat leaves Union Saint-Gilloise languishing in 31st place in the standings.

Match Results of Matchday 7 in the 2025/2026 Champions League

Kairat 1-4 Club Brugge

Bodo/Glimt 3-1 Man City

Villarreal 1-2 Ajax Amsterdam

Copenhagen 1-1 Napoli

Olympiakos 2-0 Leverkusen

Tottenham 2-0 Borussia Dortmund

Sporting 2-1 Paris Saint-Germain

Inter 1-3 Arsenal

Real Madrid 6-1 AS Monaco

Qarabag 3-2 Frankfurt

Galatasaray 1-1 Atletico Madrid

Slavia Praha 2-4 Barcelona

Marseille 0-3 Liverpool

Chelsea 1-0 Pafos

Bayern Munich 2-0 USG

Juventus 2-0 Benfica

Newcastle 3-0 PSV Eindhoven

Atalanta 2-3 Athletic Club Bilbao