Bayern Munich booked their place in the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-finals with a dramatic 2–1 victory over Manchester United, sealing a 5–3 aggregate win in Munich. After a fast and clinical start from the visitors, who struck early through Melvine Malard, the momentum shifted decisively in the second half. Bayern’s relentless pressure, combined with their effectiveness from set-pieces, turned the tie around in the closing stages. Goals from Glódís Viggósdóttir and Linda Dallmann secured a comeback victory that underlined the German side’s resilience and attacking depth.
Perfect Opening For Man Utd
Manchester United started brightly and looked dangerous in the opening stages. They targeted space behind Bayern’s defence, with Hinata Miyazawa releasing Melvine Malard for an early chance. Mahmutovic reacted well to deny her, but it set the tone for United’s fast start.
The breakthrough followed in the 11th minute. Jayde Riviere played Malard through on goal. Mahmutovic rushed out but could not clear effectively. The ball fell kindly for Malard, who kept her composure and finished into an empty net to level the tie on aggregate.
United continued to find joy down the right, where Malard, Miyazawa and Jess Park combined well. However, Bayern gradually grew into the game. Their press became more aggressive, and they began to pin United back.
By the closing stages of the first half, Bayern were in control. Set-pieces provided their main threat, with Vanessa Gillesgoing close twice from corners. One effort drifted wide, while another was cleared off the line by Malard, preserving United’s lead at the break.
Bayern Munich Fight Back
The momentum shifted fully after half-time. Bayern pushed forward with greater intensity and forced United into a deep defensive block. Sustained pressure followed, with Pernille Harder coming closest early on, only to be denied by a crucial save from Phallon Tullis-Joyce.
As the half progressed, Bayern’s pressure became relentless. United struggled to retain possession and were forced to defend their penalty area. A controversial moment arrived when Giulia Gwinn’s effort was blocked by Millie Turner, who fell to the ground, prompting handball appeals, but the referee waved play on.
The equaliser finally came in the 80th minute. From a corner, Glódís Viggósdóttir powered a header goalward. Tullis-Joyce got a touch but could not keep it out.
Bayern carried that momentum forward and struck again just four minutes later. Another corner caused problems, and although Malard cleared the initial effort, the ball dropped to Linda Dallmann. She reacted quickly and volleyed into the roof of the net to complete the turnaround.
In front of 25,000 fans, Bayern’s persistence and set-piece quality proved decisive. Manchester United impressed early on but could not sustain their intensity. Bayern Munich, by contrast, grew stronger as the game went on and deservedly progressed to the semi-finals.
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