Dogged FCB Women maintain lead in Meppen

Twelve Bundesliga wins in a row! FC Bayern Women collected another important three points in the FLYERLARM Women's Bundesliga title race with a deserved 2-0 victory at SV Meppen on Matchday 17. After a goalless first half, captain Lina Magull paved the way for Alexander Straus' side with the opening goal (51'), with Georgia Stanway wrapping up the result shortly after from the penalty spot (65').

With 46 points from 17 matches, Munich are now four points clear at the top of the Women's Bundesliga table, although VfL Wolfsburg can reduce that gap back to one point with a home win over Werder Bremen on Sunday afternoon.

Lohmann recalled

Straus made just one alteration to the line-up from the Champions League quarter-final second leg at Arsenal. Maximiliane Rall was a late dropout, so Sydney Lohmann returned to the side. 

Dominant without scoring

The visitors started strongly and showed in the early stages who the clear favourites were. While the league leaders looked to find routes to goal with attacking link-up play, the hosts sat deep at the Hänsch-Arena and waited for opportunities to counter. FCB Women had the first opportunity in the fourth minute when Klara Bühl worked some space for herself on the left of the penalty area, but the 22-year-old's attempt was no problem for Meppen keeper Laura SIeger.

The Munich girls continued to pin Meppen deep in their own half, but failed to create any notable chances for a long time. It wasn't until shortly before half-time that the 10th-placed hosts' goal was troubled. After an attack down the left, Franziska Kett delivered a low cross into the danger area to Lohmann, whose shot hit the post.

Magull and Stanway score in second half

Bayern made a lively start to the second half and got the deserved opening goal just six minutes after the restart. Once again Kett powered down the left flank and cut the ball back into the penalty box. This time it was Magull who was in the right place and netted her sixth goal of the season to give her team an overdue lead. Bayern played with more freedom after that and in the 65th minute they were awarded a penalty when Meppen's Anna Margra handled inside the box. Just like in the top-of-the-table clash against Wolfsburg last weekend, Stanway confidently put away the penalty. Munich subsequently pushed for a third goal but Sieger kept the margin of victory to just two goals.

International break then DFB Cup semi-final

Before FCB Women head into the final stage of the season, they go off for the second international break of the year. Straus' side are back in action on 15 April with the DFB Cup semi-final at home to VfL Wolfsburg at the FC Bayern Campus. Tickets go on sale tomorrow, Monday 3 April, at 16:00 CEST.