FC Bayern Women suffered a narrow defeat in the first leg of the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-finals. In front of a record crowd of 13,000 at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday evening, the Munich girls went down 2-1 against Paris Saint-Germain. After a brace from Marie-Antoinette Katoto (20’, 71’), Klara Bühl reduced the deficit shortly before the end (84’). The goal was the least the home side deserved for a strong performance and means the tie is still wide open going into the second leg next Wednesday, 30 March, at the Parc des Princes (21:00 CEST).

Minute’s silence for Cornelia Doll

Before kick-off, the two teams paid their respects to the recently deceased Cornelia “Conny” Doll, who played for the German record champions’ women’s team from 1971 and 1988 and also held various positions at the club after her playing career. Bayern also wore black armbands.

Narrow half-time deficit

The Munich girls started the game well. Viviane Asseyi had the first big chance to open the scoring on nine minutes, but just missed Sarah Zadrazil’s cross at the far post, before Bühl’s shot in the 13th minute landed a few centimetres wide of goal. The visitors were more accurate at the other end. FCB failed to clear the ball away after a corner and after initially being saved by the bar, Katoto bundled in the rebound from close range. Despite falling behind early, captain Lina Magull and her team were not deterred and dominated the game for large spells. Bühl in particular was a constant threat down the right, but couldn’t find any recipients in the middle.

Lohmann hits woodwork twice

Bayern continued to dictate things after the break as they pushed for an equaliser. In the 66th minute, Saki Kumagai drove well down the right and cut the ball back for substitute Sydney Lohmann, but the Germany international’s shot only found the outside of the post. A minute later, Bühl had a go from distance but Barbora Votíková was equal to it with a fine reaction save. Shortly after, Paris again punished Bayern for not taking their chances. Again it originated from a set piece, with Katoto rising highest from a corner and heading it in for 2-0. But Bayern Women didn’t give up and continued to try their luck in attack. In minute 79, Lohmann hit the woodwork for a second time with a header. Six minutes later, though, Jens Scheuer’s side finally got the goal they deserved when the lively Bühl scored directly from a free-kick to make it 2-1.

Essen at home then off to Paris

There’s little time to rest for the German champions. Before they travel to Paris for the second leg, Bayern host SGS Essen on Matchday 18 of the FLYERALARM Women’s Bundesliga. Kick-off at the FC Bayern Campus is at 16:00 CEST on Sunday 27 March.

The gallery of the best images from the home leg against PSG: