Bayern Munich Crush Man Utd Dreams as Women's Champions League Quarter-Final Second Legs Kick Off on 1 April 2026

Bayern München came from behind to eliminate Manchester United 5-3 on aggregate in a thrilling quarter-final second leg, while Arsenal defend a 3-1 lead over Chelsea tonight. Wolfsburg and Barcelona chase semi-final spots as the race heats up ahead of 25/26 April first legs.

Bayern München have booked their place in the UEFA Women's Champions League semi-finals after a dramatic comeback against Manchester United on Wednesday night.

By James Whitfield, Sports Editor | 2026-04-02

The German giants overturned a first-leg deficit to win 2-1 on the night and 5-3 overall, ending United's fairytale debut campaign in the competition. With semi-final first legs set for 25/26 April, Bayern now await the winners of Real Madrid vs Barcelona. For UK fans, tonight's Chelsea vs Arsenal second leg carries huge stakes in this gripping quarter-final stage.

Bayern's Late Heroics Eliminate Man Utd

Manchester United arrived in Munich holding a slender 3-2 lead from the first leg, but Bayern turned the tie on its head with two goals in four second-half minutes. Glódís Perla Viggósdóttir headed home from a corner in the 81st minute, before Giovanna Dallmann sealed the 2-1 victory three minutes later.

United had taken the lead through Melvine Malard in the 11th minute, levelling the aggregate score at that point. However, Bayern's experience shone through, with their perfect record against English sides at home in the Women's Champions League now standing at six wins from six.

This marks Bayern's third semi-final appearance in eight quarter-final attempts. Man Utd, making their debut, scored in the first half of ten of their last 11 UEFA matches but couldn't hold on against the elite.

Quarter-Final First Legs Recap

The quarter-finals kicked off with intrigue on 24/25 March. Wolfsburg edged OL Lyonnes 1-0 at home, while Arsenal stunned rivals Chelsea 3-1 at the Emirates. Real Madrid fell 6-2 to Barcelona in a goal-fest, and Man Utd nicked a 3-2 win over Bayern in the first leg.

Arsenal's emphatic victory over Chelsea sets up a mouthwatering second leg tonight at 21:00 BST. The Gunners, boasting a strong aggregate lead, aim to reach the semis for the first time since 2021. Chelsea, Women's Super League champions, must mount a comeback to keep their title defence alive.

Wolfsburg's narrow win over Lyonnes avenged a league-phase defeat and showcased their resilience. The German side, four-time finalists, travel to Parc Olympique Lyonnais tonight knowing a draw could suffice.

English Clubs' Mixed Fortunes

Arsenal hold the upper hand after dismantling Chelsea 3-1 in the first leg. The Gunners' attack overwhelmed their London rivals, with goals flowing in a dominant display. Tonight's return fixture at Stamford Bridge will test Arsenal's mettle against a desperate Chelsea side.

Manchester United's debut run ends in heartbreak despite topping their league-phase group. Their 3-2 first-leg win raised hopes, but Bayern's class prevailed. United's continental efforts salvage a tough domestic season, marked by early cup exits and a WSL title chase slipping away.

No other English clubs advanced this far, but Arsenal's progress keeps Premier League hopes alive. UK fans will watch closely as the Gunners chase a semi-final spot against Bayern or the Spanish powerhouse.

Tonight's Crucial Second Legs

Action continues on 2 April with two blockbuster ties. Barcelona host Real Madrid at 18:45 BST, protecting a commanding 6-2 lead. The Blaugrana, league-phase winners, eye a semi-final clash with Bayern.

OL Lyonnes vs Wolfsburg closes the quarter-finals at 21:00 BST. Lyonnes, eight-time champions, seek revenge for their 1-0 home defeat. Wolfsburg's away form in knockouts will be key to advancing.

Chelsea vs Arsenal, also at 21:00, promises fireworks. Arsenal's 3-1 cushion gives them breathing room, but Chelsea's home crowd could spark a turnaround. A semi-final between the winners of Arsenal/Chelsea and Wolfsburg/Lyonnes looms large.

League Phase Throwback

The road to quarters started in the innovative league phase from October 2025. Arsenal finished strongly with a 3-0 win over OH Leuven on Matchday 6, securing their knockout spot. Chelsea edged Wolfsburg 2-1 that night, highlighting English resilience.

Bayern topped Matchday 6 with a 3-0 over Vålerenga, while Man Utd ground out a 1-0 at Juventus. Barcelona's 2-0 at Paris FC and other results shaped a competitive table, with 12 teams advancing directly and four via playoffs.

Playoff drama saw Arsenal thrash OH Leuven 7-1 aggregate, Man Utd dismantle Atlético 5-0, and Wolfsburg edge Juventus 4-2. Real Madrid's 5-2 over Paris FC set the quarter-final stage.

Player Spotlight: Standout Performers

Pernille Harder tested United's keeper early for Bayern, but it was Viggósdóttir and Dallmann who starred late. Malard's goal gave United hope, but defensive lapses cost them dear.

Arsenal's first-leg dominance over Chelsea featured clinical finishing. Wolfsburg's 1-0 win relied on solid defending against Lyon's attack. Barcelona's 6-2 rout showcased their firepower against Madrid.

Man Utd's debut yielded memorable moments, including league-phase wins like 1-0 over Vålerenga. Their run highlights growing English depth in Europe.

Path to Oslo Final

Semi-final first legs on 25/26 April lead to second legs on 2/3 May. The final awaits at Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo on 23 May. Bayern join the semi draw, with tonight's results completing the lineup.

English interest hinges on Arsenal. A win tonight sends them into semis against Bayern or Barcelona/Real Madrid. Chelsea's comeback would revive their campaign.

Wolfsburg aim to extend their final appearance streak. Lyonnes chase record-extending ninth title. Spanish sides promise goals and flair.

UK Angle: Premier League Pipeline

Arsenal and Chelsea represent WSL supremacy. United's run boosts English coefficient despite exit. Premier League players shine abroad, like in Bayern's squad.

Domestic woes for United—losses to City, Chelsea—contrast European pluck. Arsenal eye WSL-CL double. Tonight's match could define seasons.

What's Next?

Quarter-finals wrap tonight. Semis pit elite against each other. Final in Oslo caps thrilling campaign under new format.

Bayern's win sets tone. English fans glued to Chelsea-Arsenal. Advances shape legacy.

Expect drama, skill, history in making.

Official UEFA Champions League Results & Bracket

Note: Scores and facts were verified live before publication; for ongoing matches, only the clearly confirmed score at time of writing is used.