In a dramatic showdown on March 26, 2025, FC Bayern Women faced a tough defeat against Lyon in the second leg of the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-finals, losing 4-1 and exiting the tournament with an aggregate score of 6-1. Despite a promising start, Bayern could not maintain their momentum against the formidable French side, who showcased their championship pedigree.
Klara Bühl gave Bayern a glimmer of hope by scoring in the 33rd minute, reducing Lyon's lead from the first leg, where they had lost 2-0 in Munich. Bühl's goal came after a calculated play that saw her finish from a tight angle, sending the Bavarian supporters into a frenzy. This match marked a milestone for Bühl, as she celebrated her 150th appearance for FC Bayern Women.
However, the tide turned swiftly after halftime. Just a minute into the second half, Melchie Dumornay equalized for Lyon with a header, capitalizing on a cross from Kadidiatou Diani. This goal shifted the momentum back to Lyon, who then took control of the match.
In the 54th minute, Diani struck again, this time benefiting from a defensive error by Bayern. The situation worsened for Bayern as they now needed to take risks to recover the match, which played into Lyon’s hands, known for their lethal counter-attacking style.
Tabitha Chawinga added a third goal for Lyon in the 60th minute, finishing confidently after receiving a clever pass from Dumornay. With Bayern trailing 3-1, they desperately sought to claw back into the game, but Lyon's defense proved resilient.
The final nail in Bayern's coffin came in stoppage time when Ada Hegerberg, a former Ballon d'Or winner, sealed the deal with a goal that slipped through Bayern goalkeeper Maria-Luisa Grohs’ legs, resulting in a 4-1 finish.
Head coach Alexander Straus expressed his disappointment after the match, stating, "It's tough to lose so clearly after two games, but teams like that punish you mercilessly when you make mistakes. We have to learn from this and stop giving our opponents so many chances in future."
Pernille Harder, another key player for Bayern, echoed her coach's sentiments, saying, "We were really good in the first half and got a goal. But Lyon seized the momentum with their goal straight after the break. We wanted to carry on as before, but the early goal we conceded made it very difficult for us. But we can still be happy with the first half."
Bayern made several changes to their starting lineup following their recent DFB Cup semi-final victory over TSG Hoffenheim, which they won 3-2. Maria Luisa Grohs returned to goal, while Giulia Gwinn, Julia Zigiotti, and Momoko Tanikawa were also included in the starting eleven.
The match began with Bayern showing determination and pressing Lyon deep into their half. However, they struggled to create clear scoring opportunities early on. Despite some promising chances, including a free-kick from Bühl that nearly found the net, it was not until the 33rd minute that they broke through.
After taking the lead, Bayern continued to push for a second goal, but Lyon's defense held firm. As the match progressed, the French champions found their rhythm, and the equalizer from Dumornay shifted the dynamics of the game.
In the aftermath of the match, Bayern's focus now shifts to their upcoming fixtures in the Google Pixel Women’s Bundesliga. They are set to face Bayer 04 Leverkusen on March 30, 2025, at their home ground, FC Bayern Campus, before taking on second-placed Eintracht Frankfurt on April 12, 2025.
Despite the disappointment in the Champions League, the Bayern squad remains determined to push forward in the league, seeking to capitalize on their strengths and learn from their recent experiences against top-tier teams like Lyon.
Lyon, now advancing to the semi-finals, will face either Real Madrid or Arsenal next month, with Madrid currently holding a 2-0 advantage in their quarter-final tie against Arsenal. The French team, who are eight-time champions, continue their quest for a record-extending ninth title, having last won the tournament in 2022.
This match serves as a reminder of the high stakes and intense competition in women's football, where even a strong first half can be overshadowed by a powerful opponent's comeback. As Bayern reflects on their journey in this season's Champions League, they will undoubtedly aim to build on their performances and return stronger in future competitions.
