Damnjanović strike not enough as FCB Women collect point in Oslo

FC Bayern Women drew 1-1 in their UEFA Women's Champions League away match at Vålerenga. After a goalless first half, Jovana Damnjanović put Bayern in front shortly after coming on (75th minute) but Elise Thorsnes headed in the equaliser in the closing minutes (88').

Straus: 'Didn't manage to settle the game'

"They defended well, just as we expected," said head coach Alexander Straus afterwards. "We knew they'd be dangerous if we gave them chances. We scored the goal but then didn't manage to settle the game. If you then lose the key duels in your own penalty area, you'll just concede."

Two changes

Straus made two changes from the emphatic 5-0 win over Jena, recalling Giulia Gwinn and Sarah Zadrazil for Carolin Simon and Julia Zigiotti. Goalkeeper Ena Mahmutovic made her UWCL debut in Oslo. For substitute Damnjanović, it was her 150th appearance in a Bayern shirt.

Goalless at half-time

Bayern dominated the early exchanges in search of the opening goal. Pernille Harder had the first chance but was denied by goalkeeper Tove Enblom at close range from Weronika Zawistowska's cross (11'). Five minutes later, Harder again went for goal from a good position but aimed too centrally (16'). In return, the Bayern defence had to prevent a goal, Mahmutovic first saving well from Emma Stølen Godø before Gwinn blocked the follow-up shot with a last-ditch tackle (17'). The rest of the first half was an even contest with chances in short supply.

Late equaliser

Bayern came out of the dressing room with energy and immediately launched the next dangerous attack through Harder and Klara Bühl, who teed up Linda Dallmann, but she squandered the opportunity with a heavy touch (47'). At the other end, Mahmutovic made a stunning save from Olaug Tvedten's effort, tipping the ball onto the post with her fingertips and then into her arms (55').

Enblom then had to make a fine save of her own, when Zawistoska ran through after a good pass from Bühl (59'). With a quarter of an hour left, the travelling FCB fans finally got to celebrate. Harder played a perfect through ball to Gwinn, who cut it back from the byline for substitute Damnjanović. The striker didn't need a second invitation and coolly finished past Enblom for the opening goal. However, unfortunately for the Bavarians, that was not the end of it. From a corner, Thorsnes was in the right place to head home to make it 1-1.

Cup, international break and Essen away

There's another important away match coming up for Bayern Women on Saturday 24 November, when they travel to SC Freiburg in the DFB Cup round of 16. Kick-off at the Dreisamstadion is at 16:00 CET. Following an international break, the German champions resume their Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga campaign on 7 December (14:00 CET) away to SGS Essen.