Bayern Munich secured a 3-0 victory over SL Benfica in Lisbon on Wednesday, earning their first Women's Champions League win of the season. The German champions recovered from a 2-2 draw with Manchester City the previous week, with the match taking a dramatic turn in the final stages. Three goals in the closing phase proved decisive after a sluggish opening performance.
Bayern's attacking play remained inconsistent for much of the contest. Despite controlling possession, the team struggled to create clear chances, with crosses going unconverted and decision-making hesitant in the box. Pernille Harder, named Player of the Match, showcased her quality but also exemplified the hesitation that plagued Bayern's attack, occasionally taking too much time on the ball in promising positions.
Head coach José Barcala showed restraint with his substitutions despite Bayern's early struggles. Alara, Edna Imade, and Sophie Proost entered late, while other options including Vanessa Gilles, Sarah Mattner-Trembleau, and Sarah Zadrazil remained on the bench. The delayed attacking adjustments contrasted with the team's eventual clinical finishing that sealed the dominant scoreline.
