Bayern Battles Back to Secure Draw Against Barcelona Despite Red Card for Hair-Pulling in UWCL Semi-Final

Franziska Kett levelled the score for the home side in front of 31,000 fans at the Allianz Arena in the 69th minute. However, just ten minutes later, she was shown a straight red card for pulling Salma Paralluelo by the hair. Bayern coach José Barcala also received a red card from referee Ivana Martinčić for his protests, which proved futile as a VAR check confirmed Kett’s foul.

Earlier, it was former Wolfsburg player Ewa Pajor (8′) who gave Barca the lead, as the Catalans aimed for their sixth consecutive final.

“A tricky situation. She definitely didn’t do it on purpose,” commented teammate Klara Bühl about the pivotal moment on Disney+: “She wanted to pull the shirt and would have deserved a yellow card for that, no doubt. But the hair just happened to be in the way.”

Approaching what stands out as their most significant match of the season, Bayern sought to leave the humiliation from October behind them. “You have to believe in it,” asserted national team member Bühl, who made her return to the starting XI for the first time in over two months after healing from a calf injury: “Everyone has to demonstrate that belief.”

Barcelona strikes early

However, it was evident that Bayern held a healthy respect for their opponents. When Barcelona had possession, Bayern settled back into a deep defensive line and aimed to counter-attack. This tactic bore fruit at times, particularly through Bühl. Still, Bayern fans must have been anxious when Pajor scored with the visitor’s first shot on target within the eighth minute.

That proved to be nearly all Barça achieved in the first half. Instead, Bayern grew in confidence, with Uli Hoeneß and club president Jan-Christian Dreesen present, and began taking more chances. Just before half-time, Kett (42′) squandered Bayern’s best chance as she was denied by goalkeeper Cata Coll.

The second half saw the visitors start strong and come close to extending their lead. Esmee Brugts hit the post (49′), and defender Vanessa Gilles managed to clear off the line for Bayern (60′).

Kett’s goal, stemming from a well-executed team play assisted by Harder in the 69th minute, kept Bayern’s dreams of a final appearance alive.

Following Kett’s red card, Bayern managed to hold on, leaving the tie delicately balanced ahead of the second leg in Catalonia on 3 May, where Barcelona will be aiming for a sixth-straight final.