FC Bayern and Manchester City draw 2-2 in Women's Champions League opener

FC Bayern München and Manchester City played to a 2-2 draw in their opening UEFA Women’s Champions League fixture at Sportpark Unterhaching. Bayern took an early 2-0 lead through a Giulia Gwinn goal in the 11th minute and an own goal by Kerstin Casparij in the 28th minute.

The match was marked by controversy when pyrotechnics were thrown onto the pitch, creating blue smoke. This occurred just before Manchester City’s Beth Mead scored the equalizer in the 45th minute. Bayern players and officials criticized the referee, Olatz Rivero Olmedo, for not interrupting play despite the smoke on the field.

In the second half, Bayern goalkeeper Ena Mahmutovic saved a penalty from Khadija Shaw in the 62nd minute, maintaining the lead. However, Manchester City secured a late equalizer in the 86th minute via Carlotta Wamser, ensuring the spoils were shared.