Bayern stun Arsenal, Man Utd sink PSG in Women's Champions League
Bayern Munich came from two goals behind to defeat defending champions Arsenal 3-2 in the Women's Champions League on Wednesday evening, while Manchester United secured a victory over Paris Saint-Germain in a notable match at Old Trafford.
An early header from Emily Fox and a 23rd-minute effort by Mariona Caldentey from outside the penalty area seemed to give Arsenal a strong lead in their game in Munich.
However, Bayern mounted a remarkable comeback during the second half.
Alara started the recovery in the 67th minute, and substitute Pernille Harder equalised for the home side with an excellent shot, before Glodis Viggosdottir scored the decisive goal by tapping in Klara Buehl's cross into the box with four minutes remaining.
"In truth, this squad has a champion's mindset," said Bayern's coach Jose Barcala to Disney+.
"No matter if we trail 2-0, we trust in our ability to turn things around. We unite as a team, solve problems collectively, and keep pushing right up to the final whistle," he continued.
"That's unacceptable. Allowing three goals in a single half during the Champions League is not up to our standards," commented Arsenal's manager Renee Slegers.
This result marked Arsenal's second loss in three matches, placing the London team in the play-off positions for advancing to the quarter-finals under the updated league format.
At the top of the 18-team standings sit Barcelona, the three-time champions, after they comfortably beat Belgian newcomers OH Leuven 3-0.
Alexia Putellas converted a penalty kick for the Spanish side in added time of the first half.
Following the interval, an own-goal by Kim Everaerts increased Barcelona's advantage, and Irene Paredes sealed the win with a third goal, putting the Catalans at the summit ahead of Lyon on goal difference after three straight victories.
In the evening's later fixture, Manchester United made their inaugural European appearance at Old Trafford, away from their usual 12,000-seat venue at Leigh Sports Village, a night to cherish with a 2-1 triumph against Paris Saint-Germain.
The match signified Mary Earps' first visit back to her former team since her transfer to the French outfit.
Melvine Malard's curled shot beat Earps on Manchester United's initial effort on target past the half-hour point, but Olga Carmona, who netted Spain's World Cup-winning goal versus England, restored parity in stoppage time of the opening period.
After a fine team move featuring Jess Park, Anna Sandberg delivered a cross for Fridolina Rolfo to nod home the winner in the 58th minute, completing a perfect three wins from three for United in their Champions League bow.
This propelled them to third place on goal difference and positioned them for straight progression to the last eight, as PSG linger without a point.
"It was unbelievable. An occasion such as this feels like a once-in-a-lifetime chance. The crowd's backing and our performance today displayed true resilience," remarked midfielder Park.
In other results, Juventus overcame Atletico Madrid 2-1, and Benfica drew 1-1 with Twente.