MUNICH (AP) — Bayern Munich goalscorer Franziska Kett was sent off for hair-pulling during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Barcelona in the first leg of the Women’s Champions League semifinals.
Kett canceled out Eva Payol’s opening goal, but the Barcelona substitute was shown a red card in the 79th minute for pulling the hair of Salma Pararuelo, who was trying to escape.
Bayern manager Jose Barcala also protested, but referee Ivana Martinić gave him a red as it was futile as a VAR check confirmed a foul on Kett.
Both players will be suspended for the second leg in Barcelona on May 3.
Clara Bühl returns to Bayern from injury alongside Julia Gwynne Bundesliga deciding match victory Kett said Wednesday that Kett’s absence will be a blow.
“She has speed, she has power and she has good left and right feet,” Buhl said. “It’s really tough for us not to have her there, but we have a great team. We have some guys who can play there and they’re going to be great players as well.”
Kett equalized in the 69th minute after some hard work from his team, keeping Bayern’s hopes of reaching the final for the first time alive.
The game pitted the newly crowned champions against each other after both teams had won national championships.
However, Barcelona won 7-1 in their previous league encounter, and Bayern supporters must have feared the worst when Payol scored with the visitors’ first shot on target in the eighth minute.
Esmie Burguts cut easily inside Gwynn and crossed for Pajol to volley home.
“I’m happy to be able to help the team with this and that’s the most important thing. Of course, Esmee played a very good ball,” said Payol, who scored his eighth goal in this season’s Champions League appearances.
Despite conceding a goal, Bayern improved as the first half progressed. Kett made a good save from Kata Col before the break.
Barcelona regained control in the first half, with Brugts hitting the post after the interval, but they were equalized when Kett equalized.
Bayern held on and remained even after Kett’s sending off.
“We practiced hard,” said Bayern forward Pernille Harder. “We know it will be difficult to play against a team like Barcelona who are good at finding spaces.” “We worked really hard, found our timing in transition and scored a goal. Then we got a red card and then we had to fight for the last few minutes.”
trophy holder Arsenal will face eight-time champions Lyon In the other semifinal on Sunday.
The final will be held in Oslo on May 23rd. Barcelona is aiming to reach the final for the sixth consecutive year.
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