The Bayern women’s team fell short of a victory against Manchester City in their Champions League opener. A flare incident caused a stir during the 2–2 draw.
The FC Bayern women’s team kicked off the new Champions League season with a draw. Despite holding a 2-0 lead at one point, coach José Barcala’s team could not go beyond a 2-2 draw against Manchester City.
In front of 4,291 spectators at Sportpark Unterhaching, the Munich women got off to a strong start. Klara Bühl had the first good chance just four minutes in, before Giulia Gwinn gave them a well-deserved lead in the 11th minute.
Bayern continued to dominate the action afterward. In the 28th minute, City defender Kerstin Casparij scored an own goal off a cross from Pernille Harder to make it 2–0.
Shortly before halftime, however, the match took a curious turn. Two flares were thrown from the stands onto the field, causing confusion. Referee Olatz Rivera Olmedo allowed play to continue nonetheless. Manchester took advantage of the situation, and Beth Mead pulled one back to make it 1–2 just before the halftime whistle.
Mahmutovic saves a penalty – Wamser scores late
After the break, the English double champions turned up the pressure. In the 62nd minute, City had a great chance to equalize after Bayern goalkeeper Ena Mahmutovic conceded a penalty. The 22-year-old, however, immediately made up for her mistake by saving Khadija Shaw’s attempt.
For a long time afterward, it looked as though Bayern could hold on to their narrow lead. But with four minutes remaining, Manchester struck again. German national team player Carlotta Wamser, of all people, scored in the 86th minute to make it 2–2.
As a result, the Munich women missed out on a successful debut in their first competitive match at their new European Cup home in Unterhaching. After winning their second consecutive domestic double, their ambitions in the Champions League are high. Last season, FC Bayern’s run didn’t end until the semifinals against FC Barcelona.
Champions League action resumes as early as next week. The Bayern women will then face Benfica Lisbon in their first away game of the group stage. After that, they’ll face Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Austria Vienna, and defending champions Barcelona, among others.