VfL Wolfsburg has taken a big step towards the Champions League semi-finals even without leader Alexandra Popp.
The German runner-up defeated the eight-time title holder and favorite OL Lyonnes 1-0 (1-0) in their own stadium and has good chances going into the second leg on April 2nd (9:00 p.m./Disney+) in France.
Lineth Beerensteyn shot VfL into the lead in the 14th minute, and after the break the Wolves took the lead against the increasingly strong French team. This ended a black series: Wolfsburg had recently lost six times in a row against Lyon, including the finals in 2018 and 2020.
“We shouldn’t be afraid of the big name. We want to leave our hearts on the pitch,” said coach Stephan Lerch on “Disney+” shortly before kick-off.
His team appeared correspondingly courageous from the first minute. The reward was a 1-0 win by the Dutchwoman Beerensteyn, whose deflected shot tumbled into the goal.
The absence of the injured striker Popp was hardly noticeable in this phase. “It’s not the first game without Poppi. We want to deal with it as a collective,” said Lerch. That worked: Lyon had more of the game without ex-Wolfsburg player Jule Brand in the starting line-up, but VfL had the better chances. Beerensteyn again missed a header to make it 2-0 (19th).
Both teams are equal
Wolfsburg had lost 3-1 to Lyon in the league phase in November, but this time both teams were evenly matched. With its quick switching game, VfL repeatedly put needles against the record winners of the premier class. However, the guests, who were still unbeaten in the league, increased the pressure as the game went on.
This was especially true in the second half. Lyon sometimes restricted Wolfsburg in their own half, and every thwarted attack was greeted with applause by the VfL fans. There was also luck: Kadidiatou Diani hit the inside post in the 59th minute. Brand was also substituted on in the 60th minute and boosted the attack – but the VfL defense held tight.
