Bayern Munich 2-1 Chelsea
Melanie Leupolz’s fortuitous away-goal against her former side left Chelsea’s Champions League semi-final finely poised at the half-way stage, despite defeat at Bayern Munich.
The former-Bayern captain scored a 22nd minute equaliser when Guro Reiten’s free kick was headed against her by Simone Laudehr and looped inside the far post in a tight game.
Bayern went ahead in the 12th minute when Ann-Katrin Berger, the hero against Manchester City on Wednesday, misjudged a Hanna Glas cross from the right, allowing Sydney Lohmann to head past Millie Bright on the line.
Embed from Getty ImagesAlthough briefly rattled, Leupolz’s fortunate equaliser brought Chelsea’s belief back.
A well worked move involving Ji So-yun and Fran Kirby saw Pernille Harder fire just off target, before Sam Kerr was only denied by a fantastic block from Marina Hegering.
The action dipped until the start of the second half as Lineth Beerensteyn and Klara Buhl went close, shortly before Harder almost turned in Kerr’s knock-down from a free kick.
Embed from Getty ImagesGlas put Bayern back in front in the 56th minute, curling in from the edge of the area having been given too much space by Jonna Andersson, with Berger needing treatment for colliding with the post.
Chelsea pushed for another equaliser and Ji was inches away when she crashed a 73rd minute shot against the underside off the bar from 18 yards, and substitute Beth England headed over soon after.
Despite plenty of possession Chelsea were unable to find a second, leaving their attempt to reach the Champions League final at the third attempt in the balance.
Click here for the match report of Chelsea’s WSL draw with Manchester City on Wednesday.
Click here for more football content, and here for wider sport news.
