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The former teammates starring in Europe's most in-form teams who go head-to-head in the Champions League
This weekend saw Arsenal and Bayern Munich once again parade their dominance in their respective domestic leagues and their form as Europe's most in-form sides.
The German champions came from 2-0 down at home to Friberg to thrash them 6-2 to keep up their six-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga, while the Gunners pulled off a memorable victory in the North London derby, thumping Tottenham 4-1, to extend their Premier League lead to six points.
What was notable about the two performances was the men at the centre of the victories, two former Crystal Palace teammates, who are now starring in their team's bid for both domestic and European glory.
Michael Olise scored twice and set up three more as Vincent Kompany's side came roaring back to squash Friberg on Saturday, while at The Emirates, Ebere Eze became the first player to net a hat-trick in the derby since Alan Sunderland in 1978 as he and Arsenal put their rivals to the sword.
As the footballing fate would have it, the two now go head-to-head when the two sides meet in a mouth-watering Champions League tie on Wednesday night, where once again they will both look to continue their similar journeys from the Football League to the top of the European game.
Before Selhurst
To once again emphasise the importance of England's football pyramid, both Eze and Olise made their breakthrough in the Football League.
For Olise, it was at Reading where his talent first shone, having already spent time in academies at Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City. The forward made his debut as an 18-year-old and played over 60 times for the Royals in three Championship seasons, where he was named the EFL Player of the Year in 2021.
That was enough to see Crystal Palace pay his release fee and he joined the club that summer, where he'd join forces with another former EFL star.
Ebere Eze's journey has been well documented. He was released by several London clubs as a youth player - including Arsenal when he was 13 - before finally finding a home at Queens Park Rangers.
After an impressive loan spell with Wycombe, Eze was quickly thrust into the Rangers first-team and it didn't take long for him to become the team's talisman.
By 2019-20, he'd scored 14 goals and been named in the Championship team of the season and it was clear the forward, who had bamboozled defenders with his gliding footwork, was destined for bigger things and moved across South London for £17 million in the summer.
Together At the Palace
Their moves to the Premier League didn't faze either player, and they were quickly up and running in the level above.
It was Eze, first, who was eased into the Palace team before establishing himself as a key player and earning a call-up to the England squad, with only a badly-timed Achilles injury ruling him out of a potential place at Euro 2024.
Olise, too, hit the ground running and in his second season, became the first Palace player to register ten assists in a single Premier League season. Ironically, setting up Eze for the record-breaking number in the 2-0 win over Bournemouth.
By 2023-24, the two were terrorising the league as a tandem in Palace's attack. They both reached double figures in goals and became the perfect foil for frontman Jean Phillipe-Mateta under new coach Oliver Glasner.
It was no surprise when the big boys came calling and it was Olise who was snapped up first, joining Bayern Munich in 2024, but Eze would stay for one more memorable campaign.
Now embracing the spotlight solo, he was the star of the show as Palace won their first-ever major trophy by beating Manchester City to win the FA Cup, with Eze netting the historic winner at Wembley.
It turned out to be a parting gift, as the forward then eventually left - not before adding the Community Shield to his club legacy - before deadline day to join boyhood club Arsenal.
All Elite
Since their moves, both players have once again moved up the level with ease.
In Germany, Olise is now part of a formidable Bayern team and attack that includes England skipper Harry Kane.
In his first season, he topped the charts as the Bundesliga's chief assist provider and was named in the team of the season.
Then, last year, got his hands on silverware for the first time when he won the league title, even though he missed a chunk of the season through injury.
He's also established himself on the international scene, choosing to represent France, where he's set to be a key member of their World Cup squad next summer. Olise's quick feet, and awareness will be a valuable asset for both club and country.
Much like his former teammate, Eze has carried on in the same vein since moving across London and his dream move to The Emirates. Not only has he endeared himself to the Gunners faithful, but also England boss Thomas Tuchel, netting three goals in his last three Three Lions outings and making him almost a shoo-in for his World Cup squad.
His latest trick, scoring a treble against rivals Spurs, has only put him down in Arsenal folklore, but also rubber-stamped his status as one of the Premier League's most exciting players.
Together, they were a force, raised in the Football League and risen to the very top. Now as standout stars for their respective club's there's no doubt they'll enjoy the battle against each other on Wednesday night, as will those watching Matchday 5's standout fixture.
Full Champions League fixture list for Matchday 5
Tuesday 25 November
- Ajax vs Benfica
- Galatasaray vs Union Saint-Gilloise
- Bodø / Glimt vs Juventus
- Borussia Dortmund vs Villarreal
- Chelsea vs Barcelona
- Manchester City vs Bayer Leverkusen
- Marseille vs Newcastle United
- Napoli vs Qarabağ
- Slavia Prague vs Athletic Club
Wednesday 26 November
- Copenhagen vs Kairat
- Pafos vs Monaco
- Arsenal vs Bayern Munich
- Atletico Madrid vs Inter Milan
- Eintracht Frankfurt vs Atalanta
- Liverpool vs PSV
- Olympiakos vs Real Madrid
- Paris Saint-Germain vs Tottenham Hotspur
- Sporting CP vs Club Brugge
How to watch Arsenal vs Bayern Munich in the USA on DAZN
Soccer fans in the US can watch Arsenal vs Bayern Munich in the Champions League in Spanish language as part of their DAZN subscription package.
An annual upfront payment is $224.99 , while paying monthly for 12 months is $19.99 and also provides access to 185 fight nights a year across boxing, MMA, PFL, BKFC, Glory and much more.
CBS has coverage of every Champions League match in English language this season. You can get more details and subscribe to CBS's Champions League coverage here.
Fans can watch extra Champions League games in Spanish on ViX. A selection of those matches are also available on UNIMÁS and TUDN.
How to watch the Champions League in New Zealand on DAZN
Every Champions League game during the 2025-26 season is streamed in high definition and comes as part of a DAZN subscription.
An annual subscription costs $14.99 per month for 12 months and also provides access to 185 fight nights a year across boxing, MMA, PFL, BKFC, Glory and much more.
How to watch the Champions League in Canada on DAZN
Watch every game of the Champions League this season in Canada with a DAZN subscription.
There are three subscription options, each offering a different selection of sports. Access to every Champions League match is included in all three package offerings, ranging from $29.99 to $44.99 per month (for 12 months)
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