FC Bayern Women faced a disappointing defeat in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final, losing 2-0 to Olympique Lyon on March 18, 2025. The match, played at home in front of a sold-out crowd of 2,500 fans, saw Lyon's Tabitha Chawinga score the opening goal in the 36th minute, followed by Melchie Dumornay adding a second in the second half.
Despite creating opportunities early in the game, Bayern could not break through Lyon's strong defense. The home team had a promising start but soon found themselves on the back foot as Lyon's quick and technical players began to exploit gaps. Chawinga’s goal came during a counterattack after she dispossessed defender Linda Sembrant, firing past Bayern’s goalkeeper Mala Grohs.
The game intensified after the break, with Bayern pushing for an equalizer. They came close early on, but Klara Bühl's shot hit the side netting. The home side maintained pressure, but Lyon's composure on the counter proved decisive. Dumornay doubled Lyon's lead in the 65th minute, capitalizing on a play where Heaps assisted her in finding the far corner of the net.
Head coach Alexander Straus made five changes to the starting lineup following Bayern's 3-1 victory over Wolfsburg just days prior. While Grohs made her return in goal, new additions included Tuva Hansen and Linda Sembrant in defense, Arianna Caruso in midfield, and Linda Dallmann, adding fresh energy to the squad. Straus expressed confidence in Grohs, saying, “I planned to use Mala here because of her experience. I believe she can be important for us.”
As the final whistle blew, Bayern was left to reflect on missed opportunities and defensive lapses, putting their chances of advancing in the tournament at significant risk. The team now looks ahead to the semi-finals of the DFB Cup against Hoffenheim on March 22, 2025, before heading to Lyon for the second leg of this quarter-final on March 26, 2025.
With their eyes on redemption against their French rivals, Bayern will need to capitalize on home advantages and score aggressively to overturn their two-goal deficit. The road ahead is steep, but their resolve will be tested as they push for a place in the UEFA Champions League semifinals.
