The UWCL action returned yesterday with two quarter-final matches lined up as Bayern hosted Arsenal whilst AS Roma welcomed Barcelona at the Stadio Olimpico.
Lea Schüller’s first-half header was enough to hand Bayern a 1-0 victory over visiting Arsenal at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday night. The match started off at a blistering pace with both sides trying to take opportunities that came their way.
Arsenal could have taken the lead after 20 minutes but midfielder Frida Manuum’s touch on goal was thwarted by goalkeeper Maria-Luisa Grohs. The hosts responded with a barrage of attacks that saw goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger called into action to save her side from going behind.
The hosts broke the deadlock after 39 minutes when forward Schüller rose highest to power midfielder Maximiliane Rall’s cross beyond the reach of Zinsberger. With Arsenal looking rattled the Bayern striker almost doubled the lead on the stroke of half-time but lifted her shot narrowly wide of the post.
The hosts and most of the 20,000 fans who attended the match endured a nervy second half with forward Caitlin Foord’s curling effort hitting the post before the visitors had two efforts cleared off the line.
Bayern had the best chance to double their lead but Zinsberger produced an excellent stop to deny Rall from close range. Her heroics might prove crucial for Arsenal as they prepare for the second leg at the Emirates next week. The English side will have to be at their best to avoid another disappointing exit at the hands of a German side.
Elsewhere, Barcelona beat hosts AS Roma 1-0 at the Stadio Olimpico in the second match of the day. A curling finish from forward Salma Paralluelo was the difference as Barcelona struggled to finish off a determined Roma side.
The visitors took a 34th minute lead when 19-year old Paralluelo curled a beauty to beat goalkeeper Camelia Ceasar for her first goal in this competition. The hosts were buoyed by a national record attendance for women’s football of 39,454 to match Barcelona blow for blow.
Barcelona could have scored more goals in the second half but Ceasar was in excellent form to deny forward Asisat Oshoala and midfielder Aitana Bonmatí. When Ceasar was finally beaten by Oshoala, defender Elena Linari was at the right place to clear the ball off the line.
The hosts finished off strongly forcing Barcelona goalkeeper Sandra Paños into action with forward Emilie Haavi and midfielder Manuela Giugliano coming close. Former Barcelona forward Andressa Alves could have punished her former paymasters but stabbed her shot wide from close range.
Results (Tuesday): Bayern Munich 1-0 Arsenal; AS Roma 0-1 Barcelona
