The quarterfinal first legs of the UEFA Women’s Champions League delivered high drama and dominant displays, with FC Barcelona Femení and Arsenal Women taking commanding leads, while Bayern Munich Women edged past Manchester United Women in a thrilling encounter.
Bayern Hold Off United in Five-Goal Thriller
On their quarterfinal debut, Manchester United Women suffered a narrow 2–3 defeat at home against Bayern Munich Women.
Pernille Harder struck inside two minutes to give Bayern the perfect start. United responded in the 24th minute when Maya Le Tissier calmly converted a penalty. Harder restored Bayern’s lead in the 71st minute, marking her seventh European goal of the campaign.
The hosts hit back again through Hanna Lundkvist in the 76th minute, but the visitors had the final say as Momoko Tanikawa netted the decisive goal six minutes from time.
United’s appearance marked their first major European outing since their qualifying defeat to Paris Saint-Germain Féminine in 2023-24, while Bayern — chasing their first semifinal since 2020-21 — now hold a slender advantage.
Barcelona Crush Real Madrid in El Clásico Rout
Defending heavyweights FC Barcelona Femení moved closer to a record-extending eighth straight semifinal with a resounding 6–2 victory over Real Madrid Femenino in Madrid.
Ewa Pajor scored twice, while Esmee Brugts, Irene Paredes, Vicky López and Alexia Putellas also found the net.
Linda Caicedo scored twice for Madrid, but the damage had already been done as Barcelona asserted their dominance. The Catalan giants, three-time champions, have now taken a huge step toward yet another semifinal appearance.
Arsenal Gain Upper Hand Against Chelsea
Earlier, holders Arsenal Women strengthened their bid for back-to-back titles with a 3–1 win over domestic rivals Chelsea Women.
Stina Blackstenius opened the scoring — her first Champions League goal since last season’s final — before Chloe Kelly doubled the lead to put Arsenal firmly in control at halftime.
Road to the Semifinals
With emphatic wins for Barcelona and Arsenal and Bayern holding a slim advantage, the second legs promise intense battles next week. Real Madrid face a mountain to climb, while Manchester United must overturn a narrow deficit to keep their European dream alive.
Source: Sportstar
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