Serge Gnabry believes that securing a positive first-leg result against Bayern Munich is absolutely essential to Arsenal’s hopes of progression.
The Gunners lost 3-1 at Emirates Stadium against the German side in the corresponding fixture last year, before winning 2-0 at the Allianz Arena.
It meant Arsene Wenger’s side were knocked out on the away goals rule and Gnabry says they must make sure there is no repeat this time around.
"It is the first game that controls the way the two legs go"
Serge Gnabry
“It's very important that we get a good result in the first leg because going away to Bayern Munich is not going to be easy,” he told Arsenal Player. “It is the first game that controls the way the two legs go.
“They are a very strong side. You've seen it in the Bundesliga and you've seen it in the Champions League group stage that they are a strong side. But it doesn't mean we can't stop them or can't beat them.
“We've got a chance. You've seen from the second leg last year when we went there and beat them 2-0. You see we have a good squad, we have top players. Why couldn't we beat Bayern?”
Gnabry is a big admirer of Bayern Munich and admits he would relish the opportunity to test himself against them.
“It’s the game you are looking for as a player, facing the top teams and I'm really looking forward to the game,” he said. “I think it's going to be a great match. I'm also looking forward to playing against a German side.”
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