Bayern Munich Cruise Past Valerenga with Dominant Display

MUNICH, GERMANY — Third-placed Bayern Munich delivered a masterclass in attacking football, securing a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Valerenga at the FC Bayern Campus to strengthen their position in the UEFA Women's Champions League group stage. The German giants controlled proceedings from the opening whistle, dominating the ball with 77.7% possession and pinning the Norwegian visitors back for long stretches.

The hosts wasted no time asserting their authority. Just two minutes into the match, Momoko Tanikawa opened the scoring with a clinical left-footed finish from the centre of the box, converting Franziska Kett's precise assist to the bottom left corner. Bayern's relentless pressure continued, and in the 11th minute, Stine Ballisager doubled the advantage with a spectacular right-footed strike from outside the box that flew into the top right corner, with Linda Dallmann providing the assist. The early two-goal cushion set the tone for what would become a one-sided affair. Pernille Harder added the third in the 58th minute, powering a header from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner after Klara Bühl delivered a pinpoint cross.

Bayern's attacking intent was evident throughout, with Georgia Stanway orchestrating play from midfield and Franziska Kett providing creative spark. Valerenga's defensive unit, marshalled by Michaela Kovacs and Sara Hørte, worked tirelessly to contain the waves of attacks. Goalkeeper Tove Enblom was called into action seven times, producing crucial saves to prevent an even heavier defeat. The Norwegian shot-stopper denied Momoko Tanikawa with a fingertip save in the 54th minute and kept out Linda Dallmann's effort moments later, showcasing her reflexes under constant bombardment.

Bayern Munich's statistical dominance told the complete story of their superiority. The hosts peppered the goal with 26 attempts compared to Valerenga's meagre four, while Bayern's pressure yielded 14 corners to the visitors' two. With 10 shots on target, Bayern's clinical edge was matched only by Enblom's determination to keep the scoreline respectable.

The turning point came in those opening 11 minutes when Bayern's early blitz effectively killed the contest. Valerenga, already facing an uphill battle, never recovered from conceding twice in quick succession. The visitors attempted to mount occasional counter-attacks through Olaug Tvedten and Mawa Sesay, but Bayern's defensive line, featuring Vanessa Gilles and Carolin Simon, remained largely untroubled. Late drama ensued in the 85th minute when Natalia Padilla-Bidas thought she had scored, only for VAR to rule out the goal for offside against Alara Sehitler.

The comprehensive victory keeps Bayern Munich firmly in contention in Group C, sitting on 12 points from five matches with four wins and one loss. Valerenga, despite their goalkeeper's heroics, struggled to create meaningful chances and managed just one shot on target throughout the 90 minutes. The Norwegian side will need to regroup quickly as they continue their Champions League campaign.