Bayern Munich triumphed 1-0 over Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday in the women’s edition of the DFB-Pokal Round of 16 in a stifling affair defined, in the end, by fine margins.
In the absence of rested talisman winger Klara Bühl, finishing and final-third woes dominated the Bayern storyline: an early Pernille Harder chance was tamely hit and deflected off the post; a Harder low cross flashed across the face of goal with no runners at the far post; a third Harder attempt lacked any real venom. Fortunately
for Bayern, Leverkusen did not fare much better, with its first shot on target coming near the close of the first half via a speculative free-kick try from former Bayern fullback Carolin Simon. It was from some range and had little chance of troubling goalkeeper Ena Mahmutovic.
Leverkusen managed just two shots on target all game, and Bayern worked hard to find a breakthrough. Last game’s player of the match, Momoko Tanikawa, squandered a pair of golden opportunities on either side of halftime. Magdalena Eriksson then nearly forced the ball over the line during a goalmouth scramble on a corner kick, but Leverkusen somehow managed to clear it away.
It was beginning to look like it would not be Bayern’s night despite commanding possession and territory. But finally, past the 72nd minute, Tanikawa drew a penalty while driving forward in the box. Harder converted coolly for the game’s only goal—with the two players at the center of Bayern’s earlier missed opportunities coming good in the end.
FC Bayern Frauen returns to action on Friday in the Bundesliga with a home fixture against SV Werder Bremen. Then, on Tuesday, the UEFA Women’s Champions League gauntlet continues with a contest against Paris Saint-Germain in Paris.
Join the conversation!
Sign up for a user account and get:
- New, improved notifications system!
- Fewer ads
- Create community posts
- Comment on articles, community posts
- Rec comments, community posts
