Bayern Munich staged a dramatic late comeback to defeat Manchester United 2-1 at home on Wednesday, securing a 5-3 aggregate victory and advancing to the women’s Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2021.
The German side looked in danger of losing their first-leg advantage when Melvine Malard gave United an early lead, putting the visitors on course to become the first English team to win in Munich. Malard capitalized on a defensive mix-up in the 11th minute, pouncing on a loose ball after Bayern goalkeeper Ena Mahmutovic failed to clear, and rolled it into an empty net.
United held firm through waves of Bayern pressure, with goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce making a crucial save to deny Pernille Harder early in the second half. Germany captain Giulia Gwinn also came close inside the final quarter-hour.
But the dam finally broke in the 81st minute when Glodis Viggosdottir headed in from Bayern’s 13th corner of the match. Just three minutes later, Linda Dallmann put the result beyond doubt with a powerful strike from the edge of the box that flew into the top corner.
The victory ends United’s hopes of a first Champions League semi-final appearance. Bayern now await a likely meeting with Spanish giants Barcelona, who defeated them 7-1 in the group stage. Barcelona have appeared in the last five Champions League finals, winning three, and hold a commanding 6-2 lead over Real Madrid ahead of their second-leg clash on Thursday.
