Bayer 04 Women exit DFB Pokal in Munich

Pätzold had made two changes to his Werkself line-up compared with the 2-0 league defeat at FC Nürnberg. Valentina Mädl and Caroline Kehrer started in place of Loreen Bender (absent from the squad due to illness) and Vanessa Fudalla.

It is true that cup competitions, as the saying goes, have a life of their own. However, one thing that is not an exception to this rule is the fact that a match against Bayern Munich is the toughest possible challenge. Yet the Bayer 04 Women did not let that faze them at first on Sunday afternoon. In front of 2,341 spectators, they began the Round of 16 tie against the double winners highly focused, tightly organised and disciplined. Although the favourites controlled the game in the opening stages, it took until the 14th minute for the first dangerous moment in the penalty area – and it was for the Werkself: Cornelia Kramer broke through on the right, cut into the box and played a low cross to the onrushing Kehrer, who narrowly failed to connect with the ball. 

Harder hits the post

It subsequently seemed as though the attack had spurred FC Bayern on. The Munich side, unbeaten in 62 matches at national level, immediately stepped up a gear and began to create some great chances of their own: first, Linda Dallmann tested Bayer 04 goalkeeper Rafaela Borggräfe (16’); then Pernille Harder hit the post from close range (17’); and just three minutes later, the Danish striker fired just centimetres wide of the goal from an excellent position. However, Bayer 04 weathered the hosts’ spell of pressure unscathed and subsequently managed to restore their initial organisation and keep FC Bayern at bay. It was not until the half-hour mark that Harder had another shot on goal – but she was unable to trouble Borggräfe.

The pattern of play remained largely unchanged until half-time. FC Bayern searched in vain for a gap in Leverkusen’s tightly organised defence, while Bayer 04 consistently closed ranks and gave nothing away. However, their spells of possession were usually quite short, and a number of counter-attacking opportunities were not capitalised on. Leverkusen’s first shot on goal came from a free-kick by captain Carolin Simon, but goalkeeper Ena Mahmutovic dealt with it confidently (40’). As Momoko Tanikawa also missed a chance at the other end in first-half stoppage time, the score remained 0–0 after 45 minutes.

Chances for both sides

The second half began with Leverkusen making a strong start. The match had only just restarted when Maja Sternad popped up on the edge of the penalty area and took a shot, but sent the ball over the bar (46’). After that, however, the spectators saw the same pattern as in the first half. Bayern pressed, while Bayer 04 were smart in defence. After 55 minutes, however, a murmur rippled through the stadium: Sophie Proost played a cross-field pass into the penalty area to Tanikawa, who was ready to shoot, but despite being completely unmarked, she missed the ball completely, squandering what had been the best chance of the match so far.

Bayer 04 then suddenly had a great chance to take the lead with their next attack: following a precise cross from Mädl, Kramer got on the end of the ball in the six-yard box but was unable to beat Mahmutovic at the near post (57'). The match was now like a cup final. Both teams fought tooth and nail, but Bayer 04 continued to win the crucial defensive duels. Only Harder managed to break through from time to time, though without really posing a threat. That changed on 69 minutes: following a corner, Harder had a shot from close range. Borggräfe saved the attempt and, lying on the line, also parried Magdalena Eriksson’s follow-up shot.

Shortly after that, however, the Leverkusen goalkeeper was finally beaten: following a challenge between Tanikawa and Selina Ostermeier, the referee awarded a penalty, which Harder confidently converted. Bayern Munich side protected their lead with composure. In the closing stages, the Werkself were unable to create any decisive chances in front of the opposition’s goal to force extra time.

up next: Bundesliga home game against HSV

This coming Saturday, 7 November (14:00 CET), the Werkself are back in action in the Google Pixel Women’s Bundesliga. Tickets for the home match at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium against Hamburger SV are available HERE at the ticket web shop. 

Match stats:

Bayern Munich: Mahmutovic – Kett, Eriksson, Ballisager, Mattner-Trembleau – Amani, Alara (Imade 68’) – Proost (Potsi 81’), Tanikawa, Dallmann – Harder (Damnjanovic 89’)

Bayer 04: Borggräfe – Merino Gonzalez, Turanyi, Ostermeier, Simon – Wenger (Zdebel 82’), Müller – Mädl (Misini 75’), Sternad – Kramer, Kehrer (Loonen 75’)

Goals: 1-0 Harder (73’ pen.)

Yellow cards: Amani – Müller

Referee: Miriam Schwermer (Quedlinburg)

Attendance: 2,341 at the FC Bayern Campus