Bayern were given the opportunity to all but seal the title against their toughest rivals this season in front of a 30,000-strong audience. Avoiding defeat in this match would give Bayern plenty of space for error in the final league games.
Frankfurt had demonstrated throughout the season, including the two meetings against Bayern, that they were capable of generating issues for any team. There was a reason why they had led the league for so long, and they had a chance to cut the lead to three points. An interesting setting for a showdown between Germany's top two teams this season.
Clinical First Half
Frankfurt started the half with the preponderance of possession and the opening chance. Nina Lührßen's freekick from the right side came close to worrying Mahmutovic, but it went narrowly over the crossbar at the near post.Bayern's first meaningful chance proved to be pivotal. In the 12th minute, Lohmann chipped a pass behind the defence for Bühl to rush on. She dribbled down the line, attempting to locate Alara, but it was stabbed and fell right at Bühl's feet, prompting her to try again. This time, she picked out Schüller, who was in plenty of space at the back post, and she volleyed into the goal, 0-1!
Frankfurt was resolved to respond immediately, and nearly succeeded through Gräwe. She was found in space after a Freigang cross from the right into the box, but her first attempt went wide.
Bayern had a chance to extend their lead in the 21st minute after Simon's brilliant long ball found Harder in behind the Frankfurt defence, and Harder shrugged off Kleinherne to go one-on-one with Stina Johannes, but her shot rattled off the post and was cleared for a throw in. Lohmann received the ball in the right half space, just outside the box, and skillfully found Schüller. She turned and shot toward goal, but it went barely wide of the far post.
Bayern remained tenacious defensively, as they had to be. In the 28th minute, Anyomi cut inside past Hansen and punched a ball through to Prašnikar, but her attempt hit the side netting.
Bayern promptly reacted, threading a long diagonal pass to Harder on the left side. She dribbled recklessly into the box along the line, stabbing the ball at Schüller. It rebounded to her, and this time Harder found Bühl, who hit a volley into the ground and into the far corner! From there, confusion erupted. It was initially granted, but later knocked out for offside, much to Bayern' dismay. The referee then went over to the lineswoman and had a lengthy conversation. Frankfurt then became upset when the referee pointed to the center circle, confirming the goal! It took a long time, but Bayern had a two-goal lead!
Bayern used their advantage to maintain control of the game, not through possession, but by determined defending and impressive clearances. This resulted in a stale game with limited opportunities.
Bayern had the last few chances of the first half in added time. The first was a double save by Stina Johannes, first against Alara and then Harder. The second came from another Simon long ball into the path of Schüller, but her shot hit the side netting.
Bayern used their advantage to maintain control of the game, not through possession, but by determined defending and impressive clearances. This resulted in a stale game with limited opportunities.
Bayern had the last few chances of the first half in added time. The first was a double save by Stina Johannes, first against Alara and then Harder. The second came from another Simon long ball into the path of Schüller, but her shot hit the side netting.
Professional Second Half
Straus would have been eager to finish the game, knowing Frankfurt's attacking abilities from past clashes. Bayern wanted to avoid an open game, and they were successful.
Bayern came out in the first half and had a couple serious chances. This time, the best chance came from a Gwinn long ball into the box, which Wölter headed high into the air. Harder was the first to meet the ball, and she was able to score 3-0 over Johannes!
Bayern came out in the first half and had a couple serious chances. This time, the best chance came from a Gwinn long ball into the box, which Wölter headed high into the air. Harder was the first to meet the ball, and she was able to score 3-0 over Johannes!
Straus made his first change in the 54th minute, swapping Alara for Dallmann.
Frankfurt was keen to get back into the game, or at least to provide something for the 30,000 spectators to cheer for. In the 57th minute, Frankfurt broke rapidly and the ball went to Reuteler, but Mahmutovic saved with an outstretched boot. Two minutes later, Anyomi received a ball in space and was one-on-one with Hansen, but the Norwegian defender did enough to put pressure on Anyomi, and her shot consistently went beyond the bar.
In the 62nd minute, Straus replaced Lohmann and Simon with Zigiotti and Kett.
Bayern were determined to end the game quickly and limit the quantity of opportunities, which they accomplished admirably. Frankfurt failed to produce much against the fresh legs and tenacious team defense. Bayern's only chances came on the counter, but they were unable to cause further issues for the Frankfurt defence.
Straus made the final two substitutions in the 79th minute, replacing Zadrazil and Harder with Caruso and Damnjanović. Caruso's debut appearance came a minute later, when she lost the ball away in the Bayern half, and Frankfurt capitalized on the loose ball. Prašnikar controlled the ball with her chest and volleyed on goal, but Mahmutovic made a crucial stop.
This seemed to deflate the home team's excitement, and the game ended in the final few minutes.
Double in Sight?
Bayern only has four games remaining, three in the league. As of this writing, Bayern leads Frankfurt and Wolfsburg by nine points, with the Wolves scheduled to play on Sunday. With this victory, Bayern have almost probably retained their league title, laying the groundwork for a successful title defence. That implies that the players' primary emphasis will be on the DFB Pokal final on May 1st in Köln against Bremen.Bayern can thus finish the season well and look ahead to the future with confidence. Perhaps there were prospects to advance internationally, but Bayern faced stiffer home competition this year and overcame the obstacles with tenacity, commitment, and teamwork. And it doesn't include Naschenweng or Oberdorf, who signed in the summer.
Bayern's next game is on April 27th, when they host Freiburg. Depending on the outcome of other events, there is a potential to secure the title right away.
Bayern's next game is on April 27th, when they host Freiburg. Depending on the outcome of other events, there is a potential to secure the title right away.
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