Ulbrich strikes late as FCB Women win at Jena

FC Bayern Women celebrated a late win on Monday evening. Michelle Ulbrich scored the only goal in the 89th minute of a 1-0 victory at FC Carl Zeiss Jena, extending the champions’ run to 12 consecutive wins in the league.

‘Smashed the ball in with full power’

Head coach Alexander Straus: “Jena wanted to be solid today, defend and break up the play, which they did very well. In the end we did enough to win the match. I think we deserve to be going home with the three points and we’re very happy about that.”

Match-winner Ulbrich: “It was a really great feeling to help the team to victory with the goal. I gambled on the ball slipping through and then smashed it in with full power. When you have opponents sitting so deep, you always have to be alert to the counter. We didn’t do that so well at times today, but nevertheless I’m proud of the team that we saw it through and won.”

Eight changes

After the team wrapped up both the Bundesliga and DFB Cup titles last week, Straus rotated his line-up with a total of eight changes. Only Lea Schüller, Jovana Damnjanović and Klara Bühl remained from the side that started in the DFB Cup final against Werder Bremen. Mala Grohs started in goal while fit-again Alara Şehitler also returned to the first XI.

El Sherif prevents Bayern lead

As so often this season, the first promising opportunity presented itself to Bayern from a set piece. Linda Sembrant, who captained the team on Monday evening, was denied by a smart reaction save from Mariella El Sherif with her header after five minutes. Her central defensive partner Ulbrich had the next chance but her attempt landed in the arms of the Jena goalkeeper. Bayern continued to push for the opening goal but El Sherif was also equal to headers from Schüller and Damnjanović. In the 21st minute, Schüller did find the net from Alara’s free kick but the goal was disallowed for offside. The hosts had their best opportunity shortly before the break, Toma Ihlenbugr heading just over from 10 metres.

Late winner

It took the Bavarians a little while to get going again after the restart. On 61 minutes, the travelling fans were almost celebrating when Arianna Caruso’s intended cross bounced off the inside of the post. Five minutes later, Sembrant was unlucky again when she was denied by El Sherif from Alara’s free kick. Even though the Munich girls dominated the play, Jena did threaten with some bold forays forward. Grohs had to be alert to hold onto a long-distance effort from Felicia Stäßer. Shortly after that, the hosts had their best chance so far: first Ihlenburg headed against the bar, then Grohs was able to clutch Fiona Gaißer’s rebound.

Bayern upped the pressure again in the closing stages. Schüller failed to get enough purchase on Franziska Kett’s cross in the 81st minute, and then the striker had another goal disallowed for offside five minutes later. However, the visitors were rewarded at the death when Ulbrich netted her first goal in a Bayern shirt from another set piece to earn a late away win.

Trophy presentation on Sunday

FCB Women play their final match of the season this Sunday, 11 May. Following the home game against SGS Essen (14:00 CEST) at the FC Bayern Campus, the team will receive the Meisterschale.