'A special feeling': Mala Grohs returns in Bayern goal

Her previous appearance for FC Bayern Women in the 2-2 draw at Freiburg was followed by the shocking cancer diagnosis for goalkeeper Mala Grohs. “The disease is a challenge I didn’t expect to have to tackle,” said the 23-year-old in a video message to Bayern fans at the time. And she has overcome it: in the first leg of the UWCL quarter-final against Olympique Lyon on Tuesday evening, she featured for the first team in a competitive match for the first time again. Despite conceding two goals in a 2-0 defeat, she experienced a sensational day. “It certainly took me a bit of time to get used to the turf again, but it was immediately fun again,” she revealed.

Grohs: ‘I’m very proud’

It was almost four months since Grohs had played a competitive game for FCB Women. Following a half in the friendly against BSC YB Women and two outings with the U20 team, the 23-year-old now made her emotional comeback on the European stage. She was in the thick of the action on multiple occassions against Lyon, reminding everyone of her class with several fine saves – almost like she’d never been away. The highlight was a penalty save in first-half stoppage time.

“It was special today,” described the shot-stopper after the match. “I’m pleased and very proud of how I’ve overcome the last few months. It was exciting and I’ve been really looking forward to the day. It just felt great to walk out with the girls again. Plus family and friends being in the stands – I’m really happy about that.”

Straus: ‘Exactly what we expected’

Head coach Alexander Straus was also full of admiration for his goalkeeper after the 2-0 defeat: “Mala did exactly what we expected today. She’s a very good goalkeeper, we’ve known that for a long time. She had a good game and couldn’t do anything to stop the two goals.”

Team-mate Klara Bühl was also thrilled: “I think the story Mala’s had, she’s handled it impeccablty – and to then deliver a performance like that is obviously fantastic. I’m very happy to be back on the pitch with her.”

Despite the 2-0 defeat, Bayern Women still have everything to play for in the return leg – and Grohs set out the message: “Full energy, full effort, there’s nothing more to lose!”

The match report of the first leg against Lyon: