Pernille Harder brace sends FC Bayern Women through against Borussia Dortmund

FC Bayern Women are through to the second round of the DFB Cup after a 2-0 win away at Borussia Dortmund in Monday’s first-round tie. Pernille Harder scored both goals in the first half in front of a crowd of 15,755, which included vice-president Walter Mennekes. Bayern will learn their next opponent in their quest to retain the cup this coming Sunday.

Harder brace

Bayern got off to a good start in the pouring rain at the Stadion Rote Erde and had their first big chance within seconds, but Dortmund goalkeeper Laura van der Laan denied Harder one-on-one and then saved a header from Arianna Caruso not long after. The Munich Frauen continued to dictate play but had to wait until the 27th minute to strike. Van der Laan again produced stops to deny Alara and Caruso’s follow-up but couldn’t do anything to prevent Harder finding a way through at the third attempt. The Dane then doubled the advantage only six minutes later from a tight angle after lovely individual play. Debutant Natalia Padilla-Bidas had an opportunity for a third before the break but struck the outside of the post.

Quiet second period

Things were calmer after the restart, with notable chances at a premium. Dortmund’s best opportunity came from Jasmin Jabbes on the hour mark, but Ena Mahmutovic was there to push the shot over as Bayern wrapped up victory and their place in the next round.

At home to Bremen, away in Barcelona

The games continue to come thick and fast for the domestic double holders. They next host Werder Bremen in the Google Pixel Bundesliga on Saturday (2pm CEST) before a trip to Barcelona to kick off the league phase of the UEFA Women’s Champions League on Tuesday (9pm CEST).