Pernille Harder delivered a sensational performance, ending her Champions League goal drought in emphatic fashion, as Bayern Munich stormed back from behind to claim a 5-2 victory over Arsenal. The Danish forward’s hat-trick in a devastating 13-minute spell turned the tide for the reigning German champions, leaving Arsenal’s defense in tatters and putting added pressure on Jonas Eidevall’s side.
Harder, who had struggled to find the net in her previous six Champions League appearances for Bayern, chose the perfect moment to rediscover her scoring touch. Her stunning performance propelled Bayern to victory in a match that swung back and forth before her late heroics sealed the win.
Arsenal Strike First Amid Domestic Struggles
Arsenal entered the clash in Munich looking to rebound from a disappointing goalless draw against Everton in the Women’s Super League (WSL). Eidevall’s side had struggled to find their rhythm in domestic competition, and they faced a tough task in taking on Bayern, who were eager to stamp their authority on European football.
Despite their recent struggles, it was Arsenal who struck first. Spanish midfielder Mariona Caldentey, signed in the summer to bolster the Gunners’ attack, broke the deadlock in the 30th minute with a composed finish, giving the visitors a shock lead. Her goal stunned the Bavarian crowd and briefly put Arsenal in control of the contest.
However, Bayern soon began to find their stride, and as halftime approached, they responded. Glodis Viggosdottir, the towering Icelandic defender, rose highest to meet a corner, looping a header beyond the Arsenal goalkeeper to level the score in the 43rd minute. The goal gave Bayern a vital boost going into the break, and from there, the momentum shifted in their favor.
Sydney Lohmann’s Strike Puts Bayern Ahead
Bayern came out firing in the second half, looking to press their advantage. Just 11 minutes after the restart, they took the lead through midfielder Sydney Lohmann. Her powerful drive from outside the box left the Arsenal defense scrambling, and goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo could do little to stop the shot. Lohmann’s strike put Bayern 2-1 up and gave them the upper hand.
Despite Bayern’s dominance, Arsenal found a way to respond. Katie McCabe, who had been one of Arsenal’s standout performers, collected her second assist of the night in the 65th minute when she delivered a pinpoint corner that was met by Laia Codina. The Spanish defender rose above the Bayern defense and headed the ball home to level the score at 2-2, giving Arsenal hope of a valuable result.
Harder’s Hat-Trick Sinks Arsenal
Just as Arsenal seemed to have found their footing, Pernille Harder took center stage. Having struggled to make an impact in her previous Champions League outings for Bayern, the former Chelsea forward seized control of the game and delivered one of the most memorable performances of her career.
Harder’s first goal came in the 73rd minute, as she met a Carolin Simon corner with a powerful header that restored Bayern’s lead. Arsenal’s defense, which had shown signs of vulnerability throughout the match, struggled to cope with Bayern’s aerial threat, and Harder’s goal marked the beginning of a devastating spell for the Gunners.
Just minutes later, Harder struck again. This time, she showcased her poacher’s instincts, reacting quickest to a loose ball inside the box and firing it past D’Angelo to make it 4-2. Arsenal’s backline was crumbling under the relentless pressure, and Harder was not done yet.
In the 86th minute, Harder completed her hat-trick in style, latching onto a through ball and calmly finishing to put the result beyond doubt. Her third goal capped off a remarkable individual performance, as Bayern extended their lead to 5-2 and secured an impressive comeback victory.
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