In the first leg of the Champions League, Bayern takes an option, Juventus and Arsenal hooked.
Bayern Munich, winners at Real Sociedad (1-0), made it part of the way in the first leg of the Women’s Champions League on Tuesday, while Juventus Turin and Arsenal conceded a draw respectively against HB Koge (1 -1) and Ajax Amsterdam (2-2).
Scorer just before the break (45th), Lea Schüller offered victory to Bayern, semi-finalist in 2021, on the lawn of Real Sociedad.
Juventus, five-time Italian champions but still under construction on the European scene, could not do better than a 1-1 draw at Danish outfit HB Koge. Defender Amanda Nilden equalized with a header (21st) for the Italians after Maddie Pokorny’s opener (8th). Pauline Peyraud-Magnin and her teammates will have to do better in the return match on Wednesday to climb into the group stage.
Arsenal were also hooked (2-2), at home, by Ajax Amsterdam. The English were surprised by a goal from the young Romée Leuchter (18th) before reacting in stride by Stina Blackstenius (23rd). Kim Little gave the Londoners the advantage from the penalty spot (57th), but a new goal from Leutcher put the two teams tied (83rd).
In the last match of the evening, the Portuguese of Benfica can believe in qualification after their 3-2 success at Rangers in Glasgow, thanks in particular to a double from Ana Vitoria.
Results of the first leg of the second qualifying round (return leg on September 28 and 29):
HB Koge (DEN) – Juventus Turin (ITA) 1-1
Royal Society (ESP) – Bayern Munich (GER) 0-1
Glasgow Rangers (SCO) – Benfica (BY) 2-3
Arsenal (ENG) – Ajax Amsterdam (NED) 2-2