Pernille Harder delivered a stellar performance, netting a hat-trick as Bayern Munich staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Arsenal 5-2 in their opening match of the 2024-25 UEFA Women’s Champions League. The result puts Bayern in a commanding position in Group C, while Arsenal will be left to rue defensive lapses that cost them the game.
Arsenal began the game with intensity and energy, looking to make an early mark. Fresh off a frustrating goalless draw against Everton in the Women’s Super League (WSL), Jonas Eidevall’s side sought redemption in Munich. Leah Williamson and Stina Blackstenius returned to the starting line-up, bolstering the Gunners, who were determined to avoid the misfortune of last season when they were knocked out in qualifying.
Mariona Caldentey opened the scoring for Arsenal in the 30th minute, volleying in a beautiful cross from Katie McCabe. The Gunners had taken the lead against the run of play and looked to build on their momentum. McCabe, whose left foot is renowned for its pinpoint deliveries, was instrumental in orchestrating much of Arsenal’s attacking play.
However, Bayern began to settle into the game after the setback, gradually increasing the pressure on Arsenal’s defense. Despite the Gunners’ strong opening, Bayern’s persistence paid off before the half-time whistle.
Just as Arsenal seemed poised to head into the break with a 1-0 lead, Bayern equalized. Glodis Viggosdottir headed in a stunning cross from England international Georgia Stanway, leveling the match at 1-1 in the 43rd minute. The timing of the goal proved pivotal, altering the momentum and setting the stage for Bayern’s dominant second-half performance.
Stanway, Bayern’s influential midfielder, had been pulling the strings throughout the first half and continued to be a key figure in the match. Her cross for the equalizer marked a turning point, allowing Bayern to go into the break with renewed confidence.
Bayern came out flying after the restart, quickly establishing control over the game. Their relentless pressure paid off in the 56th minute when Sydney Lohmann fired a low shot past Manuela Zinsberger, giving Bayern a 2-1 lead. Arsenal responded quickly, with Laia Codina heading in from another McCabe corner to bring the score to 2-2 in the 65th minute.
But it was Harder’s moment to shine. The former Chelsea forward, who had struggled to score in her previous six Champions League appearances for Bayern, broke her goal drought in emphatic fashion. In the 73rd minute, Harder headed in from a Carolin Simon corner to restore Bayern’s lead, making it 3-2.
Harder wasn’t finished. Just five minutes later, she added another, calmly converting a cross from Klara Buhl. Arsenal’s defense began to unravel, and in the 86th minute, Harder completed her hat-trick, poking in a rebound after her initial shot was saved by Zinsberger. The 5-2 scoreline marked a stunning collapse from Arsenal, who had started the game brightly but could not contain Bayern’s attacking onslaught.
Arsenal’s second-half collapse will leave coach Jonas Eidevall with plenty to consider. Defensive frailties and the inability to maintain control of the game after taking the lead were costly. Although McCabe was a standout performer, providing two assists, Arsenal’s overall performance did not match Bayern’s intensity and clinical finishing in the second half.
Speaking after the game, Eidevall expressed his disappointment: “We started the game well, but in the second half, we lost our shape and couldn’t cope with their pressure. It’s a tough result, but we need to bounce back quickly.”
For Bayern, the win was a perfect start to their Champions League campaign. Harder’s resurgence as a goal-scoring threat, combined with solid performances from Stanway and Lohmann, gave the German champions a significant boost. With three points and a strong goal difference, they will approach the next round of fixtures with confidence.
Harder was ecstatic about her hat-trick, stating: “I’m very happy with our performance today, especially in the second half. It’s been a tough few years with injuries, but I’m glad to be back and contributing to the team.”
Arsenal will now face a quick turnaround, with a critical WSL match against Chelsea looming just days away. The Gunners will need to regroup and address their defensive issues if they are to keep their Champions League hopes alive. Meanwhile, Bayern will look to build on their impressive performance as they aim for a deep run in the competition.
The two sides are set to meet again in the reverse fixture at the Emirates, where Arsenal will hope to exact revenge and keep their Champions League campaign alive.
