Bayern Munich women beat Union Berlin 4-1 in the first regular season match of the Frauen-Bundesliga at An der Alten Försterei on Thursday. The visitors opened their account through K. Buhl in the 26th minute before doubling their advantage with P. Harder's strike just after the break.
And here's the thing about matches like this — you watch the moments that separate teams. Bayern took control early, and Union Berlin never really found their footing. G. Viggosdottir made it three in the 60th minute, and N. Bauereisen added a fourth before the hour mark passed.
By then the visitors had got their substitutions spot on. S. Proost scored in the 90th minute to complete the scoring, and P. Harder came off shortly after. Both sides made changes around the hour mark, though Bayern's came first.
They had one foot in the next round already, though this was only matchday one. Union Berlin's defence gave away too many cheap fouls — eight in total — while Bayern kept their discipline with just five.
The statistics tell the story. Bayern had 57 per cent possession and eight shots on target compared to Union Berlin's three. The hosts managed 57 attacks but could only register three shots on target, and their goalkeeper made four saves in what was a difficult afternoon.
To be fair, Union Berlin have been struggling. They sit 13th in the table after two defeats, while Bayern are second with six points from two wins. The gap between the sides was evident on the pitch, and the result reflects that divide.