Champions League: Last editions finalists, Barcelona women held by Bayern Munich in first leg of semi

FC Barcelona only managed to secure a draw in Munich (1-1) on Saturday in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final.

Published on: 25/04/2026 20:45 Reading time: 1 min

Barcelona faced Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena in the women’s Champions League semi-final. Despite dominating the final quarter of an hour, Barcelona had to settle for a draw. The Catalan team will have the chance to qualify for their sixth consecutive C1 final in Oslo next week, while Bayern will need an outstanding performance to reach their first final.

In the group stage, Barcelona, the 2021, 2023, and 2024 European champions, defeated Bayern 7-1 at home on October 7. Since then, Bayern Munich has remained unbeaten in 28 consecutive matches, including a win against reigning European champions Arsenal (3-2) at the Allianz Arena in November. However, Bayern will be without left-back Franziska Kett, who was sent off in the 79th minute for pulling the hair of Barcelona’s Salma Paralluelo, and their coach José Barcala, who contested the decision.

In a match watched by 31,000 spectators, Barcelona took the lead in the 8th minute with Ewa Pajor’s goal from a pass by Esmee Brugts. Despite a tough start, Bayern Munich created chances to equalize, including a shot from Franziska Kett saved by Cata Coll.

Barcelona hit the post early in the second half, but Bayern equalized in the 69th minute through Pernille Harder. The Danish forward found Franziska Kett in the box, who scored past Cata Coll to level the score.

The other semi-final on April 26 will see Lyon face the defending champions, Arsenal.