Bayern Munich reclaimed top spot in the Frauen-Bundesliga in style with a 5-0 demolition of VfB Stuttgart in the first competitive matchup between the sides.
Linda Dallmann got things going early with a well-placed header in the 14th minute that culminated a good passage of attacking teamwork. Sarah Zadrazil found Pernille Harder in space on the wing; Harder played in right-back Sarah Mattner on the underlapping run and Mattner’s cross arrived perfectly for Dallmann to latch onto.
Harder then scored a double just two minutes later after Dallmann and Klara Bühl combined on a clever one-two down the left side of the box. It might well have been an own goal instead in the scramble at the center, but for now Harder retains the credit.
Stuttgart had a chance and a half close to the end of the half but the Bayern defense was stout and ensured the only shots could come from range and with plenty of time for keeper Ena Mahmutovic to size up the danger.
Bühl put the game to bed early in the second with a bursting run that sliced through the Stuttgart lines before rounding the keeper and slotting him calmly. Then it was Harder again, this time via a casual-as-you-like, perfectly-weighted through ball from Momoko Tanikawa to play her in on goal.
By the time the Bayern subs came on, it was 4-0 and the Bavarians were both firmly in control and relaxing in cruise control. Sophie Proost and Edna Imade combined for a late goal to bring the final scoreline to 5-0 — neat dribbling by the former and patient presence in the box from the latter.
Bayern is back in action at the end of the week with a road trip to Leipzig for a Friday 12:30 PM Eastern kickoff. Then it is Real Madrid in the Women’s Champions League next Wednesday at 1:45 PM.
Highlights below:
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