FCB Women go into winter break with win over Benfica

FC Bayern Women beat Benfica 2-0 in the UEFA Women’s Champions League to round out their 2022 on a high note. After a goalless first 45 minutes, Klara Bühl’s brace in front of 1,840 fans at the FC Bayern Campus gave Alexander Straus’s side all three points over the Portuguese champions.

FCB were already through to the knockout stage ahead of kick-off. They are now confirmed in second place with 15 points, only behind Barcelona on goal difference. The draw for the quarter-finals takes place on 10 February in Nyon.

Laurent and Rall start

Straus made two changes to his team for this final match of 2022 compared to the 4-0 win at Rosengard last Thursday. Maximiliane Rall had recovered from her broken nose and replaced Glodis Perla Viggosdottir in defence, while Emelyne Laurent started in midfield in place of captain Lina Magull, who was ruled out with a knee issue. It was Laurent’s first start for Bayern in the Champions League.

Even first half

It took Bühl only a matter of seconds to fire off the first shot of the game, but she put it wide of Rute Costa’s goal. However, the visitors were also active going forward, resulting in a hectic game with plenty of turnovers in possession. Maria Luisa Grohs saved a long-range effort from Francisca Nazareth in the 10th minute. At the other end, Sydney Lohmann was denied by the post before Lea Schüller put a header over the bar. The nimble Lohmann then set up Schüller 10 minutes before the break, but Ana Seica made a crucial block to prevent the Frauen from taking a half-time lead.

Commanding second half

Just five minutes after the restart, Georgia Stanway produced a sublime ball over the top for Bühl, who controlled and coolly finished running in behind. Bayern dominated the play after that and doubled their advantage on 75 minutes. Again it was Stanway with the assist, slotting in Bühl for her brace. Lohmann had a chance for a third late on but was thwarted by the Benfica goalkeeper before Catarina Amado cleared off the line. It meant the score remained 2-0 and FC Bayern Women ended their group campaign against Barcelona, Benfica and Rosengard with five wins from six and a flawless home record.