Bayern women lose 1-7 to Barcelona in Champions League opener
The FC Bayern München women's team suffered a heavy 1-7 defeat to FC Barcelona in their Champions League opener. Klara Bühl scored Bayern's only goal, as Barcelona dominated with powerful attacks. The German champions highlighted class differences against the three-time winners.
At the Estadi Johan Cruyff, FC Bayern München fell 1-7 (1:4) to FC Barcelona on Tuesday evening. The German champions started poorly: In the 3rd minute, Alexia Putellas capitalized on a mistake by Klara Bühl for the 1-0. Ewa Pajor, a former VfL Wolfsburg player, made it 2-0 shortly after. Esmee Brugts scored the 3-0, before Bühl pulled one back to 1-3 in the 32nd minute.
Before halftime, full-back Carolin Simon had to be substituted due to injury, adding to Bayern's injury concerns. A goal by Lea Schüller was disallowed for offside by the video assistant. Salma Paralluelo made it 4-1. In the second half, Pajor scored for 5-1, and Claudia Pina added two more goals for the final 7-1.
National striker Bühl, who Barcelona showed interest in last season, was Bayern's only highlight. Lena Oberdorf and Giulia Gwinn sat on the bench after Oberdorf's recent cold. Spanish coach José Barcala watched his team struggle against the Catalans led by Aitana Bonmatí for much of the game.
Last year, both Bayern and Wolfsburg missed the semifinals. Bayern's next opponent is Juventus Turin on October 16. VfL Wolfsburg faces Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday and Bayern in the Bundesliga on Saturday.