Disappointing Performance in Quarter-Final
The VfL Wolfsburg women’s football team is at risk of enduring their first title-less season in twelve years. In the Champions League quarter-final first leg, the Wolfsburg women suffered a deserved defeat at home against FC Barcelona, losing 1-4 (0-1). Their hopes of advancing in the second leg on March 27 in Spain are now minimal.
Struggles in Domestic Competitions
The VfL’s chances for the German championship had already taken a hit the previous Friday with a loss in the Bundesliga top match against FC Bayern Munich, effectively diminishing their title aspirations. Additionally, in the DFB-Pokal, coach Tommy Stroot’s team was eliminated following ten consecutive victories, losing to 1899 Hoffenheim.
Own Goal Sets the Tone
In the Champions League, the Wolfsburg team, facing Barcelona once again after the 2023 final, found themselves outmatched. The titleholders from Barcelona dominated the game in front of 13,158 spectators but required an own goal from Caitlin Dijkstra in the 26th minute to take the lead.
In the second half, goals from Irene Paredes (50th minute), Salma Paralluelo (53rd minute), and Sydney Schertenleib (88th minute) cemented Barcelona’s victory as Champions League winners in 2021, 2023, and 2024. Janina Minge managed to score one goal for Wolfsburg in the 79th minute, marking their only significant scoring opportunity in the match.
Former Player Returns
Barcelona’s new striker Ewa Pajor, who transitioned from Wolfsburg to Spain last summer, remained scoreless in the match. The 28-year-old Polish player enjoyed a successful tenure at VfL from 2015 to 2024, winning five German championships and nine DFB-Pokal titles, and was warmly welcomed by her former teammates prior to the game.