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Women's Champions League wrap: Arsenal left shellshocked by Bayern fightback

Katie McCabe is challenged by Giulia Gwinn and Linda Dallmann of Bayern Munich
Katie McCabe is challenged by Giulia Gwinn and Linda Dallmann of Bayern Munich

Arsenal were stunned in the Women's Champions League after Bayern Munich staged a remarkable second-half comeback to clinch a 3-2 win in Germany, after Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe was substituted off.

A dominant first-half display saw the defending champions go ahead through Emily Fox and Mariona Caldentey but Bayern responded after the break with a goal from Alara Sehitler, before McCabe was taken off with 15 minutes to go.

Pernille Harder then scored to leave the game in the balance with 10 minutes left, and Glodis Perla Viggosdottir had the final say to hand Arsenal a second defeat in the competition while Bayern posted back-to-back wins.

Mary Earps was booed on her return to English football as Manchester United made it three successive wins in the competition with a 2-1 victory over Paris St Germain at Old Trafford.

The goalkeeper was a Red Devils favourite until leaving for the French capital at the end of her contract last summer, a decision that did not go down well with many United fans.

Earps' comments about that choice, which she attributed partly to a perceived lack of urgency from United to tie her to a new deal, as well as the much-publicised criticism of Hannah Hampton and Sarina Wiegman in her new autobiography meant much of the focus on the game was around the reception she would receive.

Speaking ahead of the game, the 32-year-old told the BBC: "I'm probably expecting a little booing. I hope it's a little bit but it might be a lot."

She did not have to wait long to find out, with her first touch greeted by a chorus of boos from the crowd of close to 15,000.

The negative reaction was not universal and the second time Earps received the ball a number of fans made a point of cheering and clapping.

A general interior view of Old Trafford as Mary Earps of PSG passes the ball during the UEFA Women's Champions League 2025/26 league phase match between Manchester United Women and Paris Saint-Germain at Old Trafford on November 12, 2025 in Manchester, England
Mary Earps unleashes a PSG kickout at Old Trafford

The pantomime-style dynamic continued throughout the match - perhaps fitting given the circus that has surrounded Earps over the past couple of weeks.

United boss Marc Skinner shrugged off suggestions the attention on Earps would overshadow a big occasion for his side, with the historic moment of playing at Old Trafford for the first time in Europe coupled with a chance to take a big step towards the knockout stages.

The home side took the lead in the 31st minute.

A long ball from Jayde Riviere down the right was seized on by Melvine Malard, who outmuscled France team-mate Griedge Mbock Bathy, cut inside and sent a curling shot into the bottom corner, with Earps helpless.

Middleton-Patel had not looked convincing and she fumbled a cross from the lively Rasheedat Ajibade onto the top of the bar but she could do nothing about Olga Carmona's equaliser with the final action of the half.

The Spain defender, who scored the winner against England in the 2023 World Cup final, picked her spot from 22 yards and found the top corner.

PSG almost took the lead in the opening minute of the second half but Anais Ebayilin's powerful shot was well saved by Middleton-Patel and, with 58 minutes gone, United retook the lead.

A fine move, with Jess Park at the heart of it, resulted in Anna Sandberg crossing for Fridolina Rolfo to head decisively past Earps.

Alexia Putellas celebrates during the match between FC Barcelona Women and OH Leuven, corresponding to matchday 3 of the league phase of the UEFA Women's Champions League, at the Johan Cruyff Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, on November 12, 2025.
Alexia Putellas celebrates her goal

Barcelona remained top of the standings after beating Leuven 3-0.

Barca extended their winning start to the league phase to three matches, having scored 14 times and conceded just once, but they endured a frustrating first half against their Belgian opponents at Estadi Johan Cruyff.

The hosts eventually found the breakthrough on the stroke of half-time when Alexia Putellas slotted home from the penalty spot.

A Kim Everaerts own goal extended their lead in the 56th minute before Irene Paredes nodded home from Mapi Leon's corner.

Barca are top of the standings on goal difference from both Lyon and Manchester United, the only other two teams with a 100% record.

Juventus returned to winning ways in the competition after coming from behind to beat Atletico Madrid 2-1.

Looking to bounce back from defeat to Bayern Munich last time out, Juve fell behind in the 39th minute when Amaiur Sarriegi fired home for Atletico.

However, Emma Stolen Godo responded in the fourth minute of first-half stoppage-time before Barbara Bonansea scored what proved to be the winner 11 minutes into the second period.

A second win moved Juve into the top eight and a second successive defeat saw Atletico slip into 10th.

Twente and Benfica's wait for a first Champions League win continues after they settled for a 1-1 draw.

Cristina Martin-Prieto opened the scoring in the 62nd minute, but Lynn Groenewegen replied for the Dutch side just seven minutes later.

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