The triple dream has suddenly shattered: Despite a great fight, the FC Bayern footballers have suffered another bitter defeat at FC Barcelona and have to watch the Champions League final on television. After the 1:1 in the first leg, the Munich team lost 2:4 (1:2) in the semi-final second leg at the Catalans.
Salma Paralluelo (13th), Alexia Putellas (22nd/58th) and Ewa Pajor (55th) scored for the team from Barcelona, which is full of world stars and made it to the final of the premier class for the sixth time in a row. Bayern had already suffered a tough defeat (1:7) at Barca in the league phase. The already established champions and cup finalists from Munich have once again missed their first European Cup final. For the third time the final stop was in the semi-finals. The goals from Linda Dallmann (17th) and Pernille Harder (71st) were not enough. Another goal from Harder did not count after VAR intervention (90th).
Barcelona will face Jule Brand’s OL Lyonnes in the final on May 23rd in Oslo. The German international had already shot the record winner into the final on Saturday. Brand initially scored a goal in the 3-1 (2-0) win against defending champions Arsenal FC and shortly before the end, her goal ensured the successful comeback. The Londoners won the first leg 2-1.
“In terms of individual players, Barca is one of the best teams in the world – especially on the offensive. But in football it’s about being the best team,” said Munich international Dallmann shortly before kick-off on ZDF: “Since we have never reached the final, hopefully this will trigger a great euphoria for us.”
At the Camp Nou, the Munich team, who had to do without both coach José Barcala and national player Franziska Kett (both suspended), took an extremely defensive approach. The game largely took place in half of the guests under the eyes of national coach Christian Wück.
It became dangerous several times in front of Bayern’s goal, and after just under a quarter of an hour, Barcelona took the lead. DFB captain Giulia Gwinn didn’t look particularly good when she conceded the goal. The Munich women were only shocked for a short time. After a counterattack via Harder, Dallmann equalized.
However, the joy over the goal didn’t last too long. Barca captain Putellas put the hosts back in front. After that, the third goal for Barcelona was in the air. With the narrow deficit, the Munich team were well served after the first half. “Barcelona is superior, no question about it,” said Bayern President Herbert Hainer at the break: “But everything is still possible.”
At the beginning of the second round, the Munich women became more courageous, but the hosts were allowed to celebrate. Star striker Pajor, once in the service of VfL Wolfsburg, was there with her head. Putellas followed up shortly afterwards. Harder gave the Munich team hope once again, and Bayern then missed several great opportunities. When Harder scored again, the video evidence prevented an exciting final phase.
