Casparij's twists give Manchester City a point against Bayern

Manchester City secured a point against Bayern Munich in the first matchday of the Women’s Champions League after the team turned a 2‑0 deficit into a 2‑2 draw. The result keeps the City group alive and highlights the crucial role of Kerstin Casparij, while Dutch top scorer Vivianne Miedema still shines despite a knee injury.

Comeback in the second half

The first half started with a 1‑0 lead for Bayern thanks to a goal from Giulia Gwinn. Shortly after, Casparij doubled her team’s deficit with an own goal: a cross that she just nudged past her own shin, causing the ball to end up in her own net.

Despite the setback, Casparij remained a central factor. She launched a quick wing attack, ignored a blue torch on the pitch and delivered a perfect cross that allowed Beth Mead to make it 2‑1. The English top scorer Khadija “Bunny” Shaw missed a chance to extend the lead, after which Bayern goalkeeper Ena Mahmutovic denied the ball.

Just before the end of the match, Carlotta Wamser, a German international playing in England, arrived at the spot and equalised the score to 2‑2, giving City a point.

What follows in the Champions League

For Manchester City, Casparij started in the lineup, but Vivianne Miedema was still absent due to a knee injury. For Bayern, Sophie Proost remained on the bench for ninety minutes and goalkeeper Regina van Eijk was not included in the matchday squad.

The next Champions League highlights will be broadcast on Wednesday 23 September, including the match FC Barcelona‑Paris FC. Also on Wednesday 30 September the duel between OL Lyonnes and Chelsea follows, keeping the focus on the continuation of the group stage.