BERLIN (AP) — Bayern Munich won the Women’s Bundesliga for the fourth consecutive year with a 3-2 victory over league newcomers Union Berlin on Wednesday.
Clara Buhl recovered from substitute Julia Gwyn to score a late winner after Union fought back twice to equalize.
Bayern’s strong side will next turn their attention to the visit of Barcelona for the Champions League semi-final first leg on Saturday. Bayern are aiming to reach the final for the first time, keeping in mind the 7-1 defeat of Barça in their opening game.
Bayern faced no such problems in the Bundesliga, winning all of their matches except for a draw at home against Carl Zeiss Jena in September. Jena is currently at the bottom and fighting for survival.
Bayern manager Jose Barcala rested many of the regulars against Union, with Gwyn, Buhl and Pernille Harder starting as substitutes.
It didn’t seem to be a problem as Edna Imade scored a goal from a corner kick in the 8th minute.
But Sophie Weidauer delighted the huge crowd at Union’s 22,000-capacity Stadion an der Alten Forsterei, where the men’s team also played. He took advantage of a defensive mistake and took the lead, beating Bayern goalkeeper Carla Bosl in the 11th inning.
Bayern had to wait until the 50th minute and Barbara Dunst responded with a long-range shot that hit the inside of the left post.
Leah Cumber made a fine move in the 77th minute to equalize for Union again, but Bayern’s persistence was rewarded with Gwin’s winner in the 84th minute.
With three matches remaining, the team has an unassailable 15-point lead over Wolfsburg, the last team other than Bayern to win the title in 2022.
Wolfsburg drew 0-0 with Werder Bremen.
Defending champions Bayern will also face Wolfsburg in the Women’s German Cup final in Cologne on May 14th.
bayern players won the Bundesliga title Saturday.
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