How FC Bayern Women came out on top in Bundesliga opener at Union Berlin

There was real excitement on Friday night as the Google Pixel Bundesliga returned to action after the summer break. As has become tradition, it was the defending champions who got to open the new campaign. Last year FC Bayern Women kicked things off in front of a German domestic record crowd at the Allianz Arena, but this time they were in the capital to face Union Berlin. Yet amidst the excitement there was also a sense of tension, given the heavy weight of expectation on the four-time defending champions.

And just like 121 days ago, when they were crowned champions following a memorable evening in the capital, this was never going to be an easy match. A glance around the stands made it clear even before kick-off what Bayern had to be prepared for. The standing areas were packed, the first chants from the supporters were already echoing through the stadium during the opening ceremony, whilst a combination of floodlights and red advertising banners made the Stadion an der Alten Försterei shimmer in the colours of both clubs. An opponent that consisted not just of 11 players on the pitch but of a close-knit collective.

A goal to calm nerves

This meant it took a little while for Bayern to get their game going. Although Linda Dallmann had the first shot on goal following an intercepted pass just outside the penalty area, the Munich side initially appeared rather cautious and somewhat hesitant in their build-up play. Shortly afterwards, Eileen Campbell launched a solo counter-attack, narrowly missing the target. This seemed to act as a wake-up call for both sides and ushered in a first half that was at times very fast-paced and entertaining. Attacking moves came thick and fast from both sides; Union pressed forward courageously and never appeared intimidated. This created spaces, which the Berliners, however, consistently closed down with their typically rock-solid defensive tactics. Instead, they repeatedly landed pinprick attacks of their own, as head coach José Barcala acknowledged: “They were a fantastic opponent today, very aggressive, and caused us a number of difficulties throughout the entire 90 minutes.” In the 18th minute, for instance, Ena Mahmutovic had to punch a swerving long-range shot away for a corner at the last moment.

The first goal of the new season finally came in the 26th minute. Jovana Damnjanović was brought down just outside the penalty area, giving the visitors a highly promising free-kick position. And just as she had done last weekend, 25-year-old Klara Bühl didn’t need a second invitation. She positioned the ball, assessed the wall and curled her shot straight into the top right-hand corner. The goalscorer later described the opening goal as a “game-changer”, which ultimately helped the team settle into the match better and reignite their former confidence. Although they subsequently took control of the game and kept the ball moving through their own ranks, their attacking efforts yielded nothing further before half-time.

Marking a milestone appearance

It wasn’t just the players who used the half-time break to recharge their batteries. The same was true of everyone else in the stadium. The stands, which were already very noisy, reached a new level of intensity after the restart, at least for a short while – something that Bühl also highlighted as a positive factor in hindsight: “It was great fun playing in front of so many fans. We really enjoyed the atmosphere.”

But just two minutes after play resumed, there was a setback for the numerous Union fans at the Alte Försterei. Once again, Pernille Harder was to blame – in what was her 100th appearance for FC Bayern Women. With the composure and finesse of a striker who has more than 15 years of professional football under her belt, she reacted quickest to a misplaced pass and was first to the ball. As if it were second nature, the Dane drove towards goal and calmly slotted the ball into the net with a well-placed low shot.

With longer spells of possession, clearer build-up play and better positioning, the Munich Frauen increasingly took control and pressed for the decisive goal. That moment finally came on the hour mark. Although it was not the most spectacular of goals, it was certainly efficient, as captain Glódís Viggósdóttir somehow managed, whilst falling, to squeeze the ball over the line between Tomke Schneider, Jill Janssens, goalkeeper Cara Bösl and the post. However, the Alte Försterei had not yet had its final say. The Eisernen were not deterred by this third setback either; they threw everything forward once more, gained the upper hand at times and sent the stadium into a frenzy once again with Nele Bauereisen’s goal. It was precisely from this phase that Barcala took away a great deal of potential for improvement to take back to Munich: “We’re still a long way from where we want to be. But we’re aware of that and are working towards it.”

Debuts teasing more

The Spaniard provided the first response to his own criticism without further ado by bringing on new signings Kassandra Potsi and Sophie Proost. Neither needed any time to settle in. Instead, they made an immediate impact. With one of her first touches, Potsi immediately sought to get into the box and promptly forced a corner. Proost went one step further. Unfazed by the vociferous support from the stands, the 19-year-old Dutchwoman actively sought to take on the experienced Samantha Steuerwald in the penalty area, danced past her with a turn and provided the finishing touch to this opening Bundesliga match on her debut.

It was not the flawless, typically dominant and effortless victory that it might appear to be on paper. Yet perhaps that was precisely the best possible start to the new season – the special atmosphere of the opening match, an opponent who really tested Bayern, an intense crowd, and periods during which the team had to find their feet. In any case, the character that Barcala sees in his team – and which he intends to continue developing – shone through time and again in Bühl’s unstoppable finishing from set pieces, in Harder’s instinct, in Viggósdóttir’s leadership qualities, in Proost’s composure in front of goal, and in the solidarity of everyone who wears the Bayern shirt.

🗞️ Read more about the game in our report: