FCB Women claim advantage in first leg at United
FCB Women claim advantage in first leg at United FC Bayern Women took the first step towards the semi-finals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League with a 3-2 win in the first leg of the quarter-final at Manchester United on Wednesday night. Watched on by president Herbert Hainer at Old Trafford, the Munich girls took an early lead after just two minutes thanks to Pernille Harder . Maya Le Tissier equalised for the hosts midway through the first half (24’).
In the second half, Harder struck again (71’) before Hanna Lundkvist (76’) restored parity for the Red Devils. However, Momoko Tanikawa (84’) had the final word to ensure that Bayern came away with a 3-2 victory. The return leg takes place at the Allianz Arena next Wednesday at 18:45 CEST ( tickets available here ).
Close-fought first period The German double winners enjoyed the perfect start at Old Trafford, taking the lead with the first chance. Arianna Caruso released Harder with a long ball over the top and the Dane outpaced United captain Le Tissier before slotting the ball home. The home side recovered, though, and created their first good opportunity on 18 minutes.
From a corner, Jess Park’s initial effort was blocked and then former Bayern player Julia Zigiotti Olme fired over from the rebound. Soon after that, the Red Devils were rewarded for their efforts. A cross from another ex-Bayern woman, Lea Schüller, hit the arm of Glódís Viggósdóttir in the box, and referee Olatz Rivera Olmedo awarded a penalty – which Le Tissier confidently put away.
After that it was an open contest. Viggósdóttir fired narrowly over the bar from a corner in the 38th minute, and two minutes later at the other end, Schüller dragged a shot just wide of the target. Tanikawa with the winner The second half was similarly hard-fought.