City’s late rally forces Bayern to share points in Munich

Manchester City rallied from two goals down to earn a 2‑2 draw at Bayern Munich in Munich, Germany on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026, securing the first English side to avoid defeat to the Germans in Europe. Carlotta Wamser celebrated with Alex Greenwood after scoring, and the moment was captured by (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader).

Early dominance by Bayern

Bayern opened the scoring early through Giulia Gwinn in the 11th minute. The German side doubled the lead in the 28th when Kerstin Casparij’s cross deflected into her own net. Their pressing limited City’s chances in the opening half hour.

City’s comeback before the break

Manchester City pulled one back on the stroke of half‑time when Beth Mead tapped in after a Casparij run down the right. The goal gave the visitors hope before the interval.

Second‑half drama intensified when Khadija Shaw saw her penalty saved by Bayern goalkeeper Ena Mahmutovic in the 62nd minute. The GOAL by Carlotta Wamser, unmarked inside the area in the 86th minute, sealed the draw and marked her first Champions League goal for the club after joining from Bayer Leverkusen.

Casparij's twists give Manchester City a point against Bayern

Wamser said, “It feels very special. It’s a dream as a kid to play in the Champions League and play against the best players in the world.” Bayern midfielder Linda Dallmann admitted the side lost intensity in the second half and made too many easy mistakes. Mead added, “We want to show what we’re about in Europe and now we need to do it for 90 minutes.”

The result marked Manchester City’s return to the Women’s Champions League after missing the competition last season. It also came in the first year under coach Andrée Jeglertz, who guided the club to a domestic double last campaign. City’s domestic form includes leading the Women’s Super League in goals scored.

Two‑time European champion Arsenal secured a 1‑0 stoppage‑time win over HB Køge at home. Inter Milan, making its debut in the competition proper, edged Häcken 1‑0 thanks to a fifth‑minute strike from Haley Bugeja. Real Madrid and Paris Saint‑Germain drew 1‑1 in Madrid, while Benfica beat Juventus 2‑1.

The league phase features 18 teams over six matchdays, with the top four advancing directly to the quarter‑finals. Teams placed fifth to twelfth will contest knockout‑phase playoffs in February. Manchester City will look to build on the point as they prepare for their next European fixture.