The FC Bayern women’s football team remains the last German representative in European club competitions, after VfL Wolfsburg and Eintracht Frankfurt’s international aspirations came to an end.
While Wolfsburg and Frankfurt departed the stage with their heads held high despite bitter eliminations, all German hopes now rest solely on the Munich side. Following Wolfsburg’s extra-time thriller and Frankfurt’s failed comeback, FC Bayern keeps the Bundesliga flag flying high internationally. However, an immense challenge awaits them: a confrontation with the seemingly unstoppable passing machine of FC Barcelona.
«One is allowed to dream,» stated club director Bianca Rech with sparkling eyes, «and one is also allowed to believe that we can challenge Barcelona.» The top favorites had decisively defeated Real Madrid in the quarterfinals with aggregate scores of 6-2 and 6-0. The Munich team itself experienced a humiliating 1-7 defeat against the Catalans in the group stage. Yet, in the semi-final clashes, scheduled for April 25/26 and May 2/3, Bayern aims for revenge and intends to show that things can be different.
Rech emphasized that on «that dark October evening» in Barcelona, they «certainly weren’t performing at the level we are now.» Although the weak first half in the quarter-final second leg against Manchester United showed some similarities, the team demonstrated determination. «We played as if we were scared stiff,» Linda Dallmann candidly admitted. However, after Glodis Viggosdottir’s equalizer (81st minute), Dallmann herself scored the ultimately deserved winning goal in the 84th minute, securing a 2-1 victory.
The Wolfsburg team succumbed to the relentless pressure of record-holders Olympique Lyon, featuring national player Jule Brand, only in extra time, losing 0-4. After a 1-0 first-leg victory, Lily Yohannes (16th minute) equalized the aggregate score, but goals from Melchie Dumornay (102nd minute), Damaris Egurrola (105.+2 minute), and Tabitha Chawinga (119th minute) sealed Lyon’s progression. «We put up an absolute fight,» Svenja Huth summarized: «It’s bitter then to receive the decisive blow in extra time.»
Disappointment for Eintracht Frankfurt and VfL Wolfsburg
Coach Stephan Lerch highlighted that his team «left their heart on the pitch»: «We knew it would be difficult, that this storm would come at us, and that we would also need a bit of luck in one place or another.» His team «leaves the pitch with their heads held high.» Huth praised the team for having «presented itself well on the international stage and provided one or two surprises.» Therefore, the frustration will soon give way to «pride.»
The Eintracht women were immensely frustrated about a missed Europa Cup opportunity. They could not overturn the 0-3 first-leg deficit against BK Häcken with a 1-0 victory in the return leg. Progress was «still possible» in the second leg, according to coach Niko Arnautis. Laura Freigang lamented: «It’s hard right now. I believe we have the quality to reach the final or even win such a competition.»
Despite the enormous hurdle of FC Barcelona in the Champions League, Bayern shares this belief. Coach José Barcala expressed optimism: His team «knows no limits.»