FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich played to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the Women's Champions League semifinals in Germany, according to biobiochile.cl.
The result leaves the knockout tie wide open for the second leg, which will take place at the Spotify Camp Nou.
Barcelona took an early lead in the 8th minute. Ewa Pajor finished a clinical team play following an assist from Esmee Brugts, confirming her role as a key attacking player.
Throughout much of the match, the Catalan side dominated possession and controlled the tempo. However, the team struggled to convert their superiority into a larger advantage.
Bayern Munich, led by coach José Barcala, utilized a low block and focused on quick transitions. The German side maintained an organized and intense defensive structure.
Before the halftime break, Bayern provided a warning when Franziska Kett unleashed a powerful shot that required a save from goalkeeper Cata Coll.
Bayern finds equalizer despite red card
Bayern Munich found an equalizer in the 69th minute during a lethal counterattack. Pernille Harder led the play, which resulted in a clinical finish by Kett.
Drama continued in the 79th minute when Kett received a red card for an unsportsmanlike foul on Salma Paralluelo. This left the German side playing with ten players for the remainder of the match.
Under the numerical advantage, Barcelona's squad, managed by Pere Romeu, pushed forward to find a winning goal. They ultimately lacked the precision needed to break the deadlock.
The second leg is scheduled for May 3 in Barcelona. The Catalan club currently holds an undefeated streak in European competition spanning two years.
Other semifinal contenders, including Olympique Lyon and Chilean goalkeeper Christiane Endler, are also monitoring the matchup. Lyon is set to face Arsenal in their first leg in England this Sunday.
