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Arsenal commenced their Women’s Champions League campaign with a trip to Germany in Group C, but the formidable Bayern Munich proved far too strong as they ran out 5-2 winners - despite the Gunners initially taking the lead. Jonas Eidevall’s side reached this stage of the tournament having come through qualifying: they faced Hacken in a two-legged tie and progressed 4-1 on aggregate though they lost the first leg 1-0 away from home.
And they’re going to need those powers of recovery again in the group stage, as Mariona Caldentey’s first-half opener proved nothing but a false dawn in the end. Glodis Perla Viggosdottir levelled matters just before half-time, with Sydney Lohmann then burying a low near-post strike to put Bayern ahead. It looked as though that might be that, but Laia Codina equalised for Arsenal against the run of play with a fine header - only for Pernille Harder to then run riot, scoring a hat-trick in 15 minutes to give Bayern a big victory and leave Arsenal needing a reaction next time out.
Follow all the action from the Women’s Champions League with our live blog below:
FT - Bayern Munich 5-2 Arsenal
A bit of a drubbing in the end for Arsenal - they were solid in the first half but once Bayern turned up the heat after the restart, there was simply no living with them.
Even so, those three goals scored by Pernille Harder to wrap up Bayern’s victory will cause Jonas Eidevall some consternation - free and unmarked, two, five and ten yards out, to score a hat-trick in the Champions League. Not great.
Still, there are five matches ahead and Arsenal will expect a response, particularly back in the WSL next weekend following the goalless draw with Everton.
89’ - Bayern 5-2 Arsenal
Some frustrated Arsenal faces out there now as the match winds down. Bayern finally sitting off having inflicted quite enough damage.
Two minutes added on.
GOAL! 86’ - Bayern 5-2 Arsenal
What about that! Hadn’t scored a Champions League goal for Bayern half an hour ago - now Harder has three on the night!
A hat-trick for the former Chelsea star, who follows in her initial shot to prod in from just a yard or two after Zinsberger couldn’t hold the first attempt.
Having been ahead and then later level in this half, it’s ending up a real beating for Arsenal.
84’ - Bayern 4-2 Arsenal
Codina needs to be careful - already booked and now asks for a card for Schuller, who stops a free-kick being taken quickly.
Arsenal try to get matters underway quickly again but are running out of time. Stanway tries a shot from the edge of the box for Bayern but is closed out.
80’ - Bayern 4-2 Arsenal
Into the final ten minutes and it’s another double sub for Arsenal.
Cooney-Cross and Kafaji come on for Walti and Foord but it looks too late now.
Bayern, barring a very surprising final ten minutes, will be claiming three points at home. They’ve been excellent in this second half.
GOAL! 77’ - Bayern 4-2 Arsenal
And after her first, Harder has a second! That surely ends Arsenal’s efforts on the night and Bayern have a two-goal lead for the first time.
Harder won the initial corner, Arsenal cleared but the ball came back in from the left and the Dane was left all alone, six yards out, to nod home her brace and make it 4-2.
GOAL! 72’ - Bayern 3-2 Arsenal
Bayern back in front!
Pernille Harder has her first Champions League goal for Bayern - another corner, another big header and her looped effort flew over a cluster of defenders and into the far corner - great movement, fine finish.
That’s 3-2 to Bayern!
68’ - Bayern 2-2 Arsenal
Into the final quarter of the game then - let’s see what else Arsenal can do after getting back on level terms. Mead tries to free Fox but the pass is underhit and Bayern clear.
Triple change for Bayern: Schuller, Dallmann and Kerr all come on.
Arsenal also brought Alessia Russo on for Blackstenius.
GOAL! 64’ - Bayern 2-2 Arsenal
A respite for the visitors, who have two changes at least ready to make. First they have a corner and McCabe is on it - and it’s in! Headed in by Codina!
Out of absolutely nothing, their first dangerous set piece of the night and a great header into the corner!
Double sub is still made - Beth Mead is on for Maanum, McCabe replaced by Steph Catley.
60’ - Bayern 2-1 Arsenal
Arsenal really struggling to deal with Bayern’s waves of attacks now. Blackstenius briefly has a sight of the ball in the Bayern box but can’t hold up play, then it’s off the other end of the pitch and Harder curls one into the side-netting.
Eidevall surely needs to make changes now.
