Bayern Munich returned to winning ways in the Frauen-Bundesliga in an absolute nail-biter in Leverkusen. Die Werkself struck first and looked well on their way to putting the Bavarians to the sword, or at least stealing a point despite not enjoying the run of the play, before a last-quarter red card changed the tide of the match.
Still, it required some late magic for Bayern to take home all three points. The full match is available courtesy of DAZN on YouTube; highlights below:
Leverkusen forward Cornelia Kramer got the scoring going early in the 20th minute — completely against the run of play. Bayern enjoyed over 70% possession over the run of the match, but it took just one errant long distribution from keeper Maria-Luisa Grohs for the home side to pounce. One pass, one cross — and suddenly the ball was in the back of the Bayern net.
The Bavarian reaction would not come until the second half began. Sarah Zadrazil arrived late in the box in the 50th minute, muscling through a thicket of defenders to win the ball after a Lea Schüller cross, and scoring in spectacular fashion just over keeper Friederike Repohl’s outstretched arms. But Leverkusen replied instantly to go ahead again — a well-worked routine after a throw-in in Bayern’s half found its way to Julia Mickenhagen, who coolly slotted home from outside the box. It must be said that Grohs reacted late, given the power of the shot, which despite its accurate placement towards the lower right corner was not exactly banking in off the post.
Bayern leveled again however, after their own throw-in towards Leverkusen’s box resulted in striker Jovana Damnjanović getting her feet clipped by fullback Janou Levels. Despite protests the penalty was instantly given and Georgia Stanway made no mistake.
In the 73rd minute, Leverkusen’s second goal-scorer Mickenhagen picked up her second yellow of the match after challenging Giulia Gwinn. It was no doubt a generous booking from Bayern’s perspective, as Gwinn’s poor first touch gave Mickenhagen the opening to pick her pocket, and the Leverkusen player looked to have clearly won the ball first before inadvertently stepping on on Gwinn’s toes in the course of the coming together.
Nonetheless, the referee decided it sufficient to warrant a second booking — Mickenhagen’s first had come in the 61st minute — and sent off Leverkusen’s would-be match winner in tears while handing her team the task of desperately holding on for the remaining quarter hour of play.
And just about hold on they did, despite waves of Bavarian pressure — until the 90th minute. 17-year-old Alara Şehitler, one of the brightest young prospects for both club and country, latched on to a second ball just outside the box and struck home sumptuously from range, beating Repohl — for the third time in the match just beyond the reach of the keeper’s arms.
Lilla Turányi had one more chance to change the the result for Leverkusen, but the center-back’s effort — which proved to be the last kick of the game — was tame.
It was Şehitler’s debut Frauen-Bundesliga goal, and her teammates helped to wait out the remaining seven minutes of stoppage time. The win secures Bayern’s place still at the top of the league despite the recent loss to Wolfsburg.
Next time out, it will be Bayern hosting second-placed Eintracht Frankfurt on November 4th.
