FCB Women fall to Barcelona in CL semis

• Defeat in second leg
• FCB Women miss out on first berth in CL final
• Spirited late push unrewarded

FC Bayern Women missed out on reaching the UEFA Women's Champions League final for the first time, falling 4-2 to FC Barcelona on Sunday. After the 1-1 draw in the first leg, José Barcala’s team were eliminated from Europe’s elite club competition.

In the presence of president Herbert Hainer, the home side got off to the better start and Salma Paraluello handed the Blaugrana an early lead (13’). Bayern struck back four minutes later, Linda Dallmann levelling the scores (17’) before Alexia Putellas restored Barcelona’s lead (22’). The Catalans upped the ante in the second half, Ewa Pajor (54’) and again Putellas (58’) finding the net. Pernille Harder made the final scoreline 4-2 (71’).

Trailing at half-time

The hosts enjoyed more of the ball and were in control at first, but Bayern had the first half-chance when Klara Bühl saw her effort blocked by Ona Batlle. The Blaugrana’s early dominance was rewarded when Caroline Graham Hansen invited Salma Paralluelo to turn home after 12 minutes.

FCB Women were unimpressed and levelled the scores four minutes later. Bayern launched a textbook counter-attack from their own half, with Harder setting up Dallmann, who calmly slotted into the bottom left corner in her 200^th competitive appearance for Bayern.

Barcelona didn’t let up despite Munich’s quick response. Paralluelo powered past Dallmann on the left and crossed. Bayern failed to clear the ball, with Alexia Putellas quickest to react, firing into the right-hand corner of the net.

Georgia Stanway let fly from distance but aimed wide. The Catalans created several big chances now, but Munich’s defence and keeper Ena Mahmutovic showed great determination and kept the deficit to one goal at half-time.

Pajor and Putellas extend Barcelona’s lead

The second half began much like the first: the hosts dominated possession, with Bayern defensive-minded and compact. However, Dallmann soon latched onto a long ball in the box but ran out of passing options and had to play it back, Barcelona clearing.

The Catalans upped the ante and clinically took their first chance after the restart when Paralluelo’s cross found Pajor, who headed into the bottom right corner to make it 3-1.

But the home side were still hungry for goals and made it 4-1 when Brugts flicked on a cross and Alexia Putellas found the net from close range.

Bayern did not give up and went looking for a reply. The industrious Dallmann won the ball deep in Barcelona’s half and set up Harder, who scored Bayern’s second goal. Munich pushed for another one and created a number of presentable chances: Arianna Caruso let fly from the edge of the box, but Cata Coll made a superb save, tipping the ball onto the underside of the bar. Munich were unlucky again when Dallmann’s deflected shot from 20 yards out crashed off the bar. Harder found the net shortly before the final whistle, but referee Frappart ruled it our for Dallmann’s foul on Patri as it remained 4-2.

Home matches against Hoffenheim & Frankfurt

Munich have two Bundesliga home matches coming up after the semi-final second leg. They entertain TSG Hoffenheim at the FC Bayern Campus on Wednesday 6 May at 18:00 CEST before taking on Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday 9 May at 15:45 CEST. José Barcala’s team will be presented with the Meisterschale after their final home match this season.