For a long time it looked as if Tabea Waßmuth’s goal would remain the only one of the evening. But just before the final whistle, the Londoners equalized at the Arsenal men’s home ground through Lotte Wubben-Moy.
Nevertheless, VfL Wolfsburg has continued its impressive streak and has been unbeaten for 13 competitive games in a row, eleven of which have been won. The second leg will take place next week on March 31 (6:45 p.m.) in Wolfsburg – also in the big arena.
Waßmuth does it with “brains”
The “wolves”, who started with the same starting eleven as in the 3-0 win against TSG Hoffenheim, had to accept the first shot on goal after 37 seconds, but otherwise had the game well under control. They were rewarded early on with the opening goal from Waßmuth, who headed in a cross from Joelle Wedemeyer (19′).
The Arsenal women found no means against the VfL midfield, which was compact in front of the defensive line. Only a shot by Beth Mead, which Almuth Schult saved safely (34th), did it become really dangerous. On the other side, Alexandra Popp had previously missed the possible 2-0 with a header (25th).
Arsenal is pushing with might
After the restart, the spectators saw a completely different picture. The hosts put VfL under enormous pressure: Stina Blackstenius first missed a huge chance (47′) and then quickly scored an offside goal after a dream pass (49′). The “wolves”, on the other hand, didn’t catch their breath at all, not to mention the relief attacks.
Bad luck at the post for VfL …,
And yet, out of nowhere, the Stroot-Elf suddenly had two chances to make it 2-0: But both Waßmuth (60′) and Jill Roord only hit the post (61′). The two goals clearly had an impact at Arsenal. From then on, the Wolfsburg women were better able to free themselves from the pressure and create scoring chances: the best came from substitute Sveindis Jónsdótir, who came a step too late in the six-yard box (80′).
… and then the compensation
Nevertheless, the Bundesliga club gave up the victory. After a free kick from Mead, Lotte Wubben-Moy suddenly appeared free in front of Schult and hammered the ball into the net to make it 1-1 (89′). It remained a draw and thus a completely open situation for the second leg in a week.