In the semi-final first leg of the Champions League, FC Bayern Munich was a long way behind against FC Barcelona. Franziska Kett was able to equalize in a dramatic game before becoming a tragic heroine.
In the Champions League semi-final in the Munich Arena, FC Bayern Munich initially fell behind early on thanks to a goal from Ewa Pajor (8th). But the German champions didn’t let themselves be defeated, played bravely and had good opportunities going forward.
After the break, the hosts continued to try to break the Spanish dominance, but Barcelona created more and better chances. However, the Bayern women’s counterattack was sophisticated, so a particularly strong Franziska Kett equalized (69′).
In a furious final phase, Kett was sent off with a straight red card, and Barcala also picked up a red card. Being outnumbered, the Munich team left everything on the pitch and saved the draw over time.
The performance of the Munich women in the first half was completely different to the last game in the big stadium against Manchester United they completely overslept the first half. This time they lacked conviction in the first five minutes, but then they defended very compactly, exactly as coach José Barcala had announced the day before. Although the performance of both teams was not very dynamic at the beginning, FCB’s two narrow defensive lines made it difficult for Barcelona to penetrate the penalty area.
Ex-Bundesliga player Pajor scores to give Barca an early lead
Offensively, the Munich team made an early advance through Klara Bühl on the left. However, Pernille Harder was unable to use her cross in the center (7th). Then it didn’t take long until the Spaniards showed their great class and took advantage of Giulia Gwinn’s lack of attention. The German international had moved too far out in the backward movement, allowing Esmee Brugts to pass towards the baseline and hit the perfect cross to Ewa Pajor. The ex-Wolfsburg player scored coldly to give Barcelona the lead (8th).
It’s not just FC Bayern that is now appearing Champion team in the Champions League, FC Barcelona also dominated the Spanish league and won the title with a clear lead. And in the premier class, the Catalans proved, especially in the quarter-finals, why they are currently the best team in Europe. They eliminated Real Madrid with a cumulative score of 12-2. However, they were unable to bring this clear dominance onto the pitch in the Munich Arena.
FC Bayern is fighting against Barca’s dominance
The hosts are increasingly attacking, for example with Franziska Kett from the left side (35th). But her too-central finish wasn’t a problem for Barca keeper Cata Coll. A few minutes later she tried again, but Coll was only able to clear the best opportunity in the first half for a corner. In a pressure phase before the break, FCB worked up a few set pieces, but they were of no use.
A moment of shock after the break brought the Munich team straight back onto the pitch. Barca’s Brugts finished in the backcourt, only the post prevented them from conceding again (49′). What was remarkable was FCB’s quick switchover to the counterattack. But Bühl decided to make the wrong pass to Georgia Stanway in the backcourt, who got stuck in the opposing defense.
Brilliant Kett leads Bayern women to equalize
The Champions League semi-final in front of 31,000 spectators in the Munich Arena was a game that football fans wanted. The two top teams took turns attacking and things went back and forth between the penalty areas. But the guests from Barcelona had significantly more and better chances and FCB had to wait patiently for the transition moments.
But the concentrated wait was rewarded. After Stanway won the ball in her own half, Kett sent Pernille Harder down the left, ran in the center and received the striker’s low cross in the penalty area. Because she was left alone by the Barca defense, she had time to receive the ball and score her first goal in the premier class (69′). With the equalizer the game was completely open again.
Expulsion drama about Franziska Kett
Shortly afterwards, the equalizing heroine was the trigger for great drama. On the sidelines she pulled Salma Paralluelo by the hair in a duel and was immediately sent off with a red card by referee Ivana Martincic. Coach José Barcala couldn’t contain his displeasure and also received a red card for loudly complaining, which means both will be suspended for the second leg. Sports director Bianca Rech was also given a yellow warning.
In the final phase, the Bayern women threw everything into trying to get a point over time despite being outnumbered. Momoko Tanikawa headed away an overhead kick from Patri, and Ena Mahmutovic was able to clear a strong finish from Mapi León (87′). The Munich fans also supported their team and celebrated every ball they won. With enormous mental strength, the FC Bayern women saved the draw over time and postponed the decision about progression until the second leg on May 3rd (4:30 p.m.).
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Source: BR24Sport April 25, 2026 – 6:18 p.m
