Match Report: Bayern Munich Women 2-1 Man United Women
The Red Devils confidently dispatched of Manchester City in the semi-final to set up an epic encounter with the free-flowing Germans who beat Paris Saint-Germain 5-0.
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Both sides took some time to settle into the game but it was Bayern who almost opened the scoring. After five minutes, Pernille Harder snuck in at the front post but was well denied by an inspired Phallon Tullis-Joyce from close-range.
Moments later United had the crossbar to thank as Magdalena Eriksson hit the bar with a fine volley from a corner.
United had to be patient but had their first big moment after 10 minutes when great pressing from Elisbeth Terland resulted in Celine Bizet being presented with an open goal.
Nonetheless, the Bayern keeper Maria Luisa Grohs made an outstanding reaction stop to deny United going ahead in the final.
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On 13 minutes Caroline Simon almost fired the Germans in front with a well struck free kick but it belted off the base of Tullis-Joyce's post to keep the scores level.
United finally got their noses in front just before half-time when Simi Awujo scored her third of the tournament.
Melvine Malard kept hold of the ball well and found the Canadian in the box who took a touch and smashed the ball into the roof of the net.
The half-time whistle blew and United were 15 minutes from glory.
Bayern almost equalised after just two minutes of the second period but a fantastic double stop by Tullis-Joyce kept United ahead.
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Marc Skinner's side's resistance finally gave way in the 22nd minute when a cross from Harder was expertly converted by Momoko Tanikawa to make it 1-1.
After 24 minutes, United's American keeper made another spectacular save by keeping out Bayern from close range after a cleverly worked free kick.
She immediately launched the ball up field and found Lisa Naalsund but she could only tamely drag her effort wide.
In a very nervy final, it took a moment of magic to give Bayern the lead. On 26 minutes Sarah Zadrazil expertly held the ball up, spun and smashed in an unstoppable drive into the side netting to put the Bavarians in front.
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United pushed for an equaliser but came up short and Bayern were champions.
Nonetheless, it was a fine three day experience for the Women's team and they did the club proud with their efforts. Moreover, by finishing runner ups, United bagged $1 million and will hope they can put this to good use to help enhance the squad to compete in next year's Champions League.
United will also take heart in the fact that their youngster Awujo was crowned the 'breakout star' of the tournament and she will hope to gain more first team minutes next season at the club.
Featured image James Fearn via Getty Images
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