Bayern Munich secured a narrow 3-2 first-leg win over Manchester United in a pulsating Women’s Champions League quarter-final at Old Trafford.

PERNILLE Harder scored twice as Bayern Munich took a slender advantage in their Women’s Champions League quarter-final with a 3-2 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford. The Danish forward, a childhood United supporter, opened the scoring after just two minutes.

“To score two goals at Old Trafford, it’s a dream come true,” said Harder. United captain Maya Le Tissier equalised from the penalty spot before half-time after a handball by Bayern defender Glodis Viggosdottir.

The game exploded into life late on with three goals in 13 minutes. Harder restored Bayern’s lead with a clinical finish before Hanna Lundkvist headed United level again from a Le Tissier corner.

Bayern finally found a winner six minutes from time when Momoko Tanikawa fired into the far corner. United manager Marc Skinner remained optimistic despite the defeat.

“The encouraging thing is that this tie is still alive,” said Skinner. “I’m frustrated with the goals that we conceded because they are pretty poor, but it is something really easily fixed going into the next leg.”

The German side will host the second leg next Wednesday. The winners will face a likely semi-final against Barcelona, who thrashed Real Madrid 6-2 in their first leg.

 The Sun Malaysia