VfL Wolfsburg Women secured a valuable 1–0 victory over Olympique Lyonnais Féminin in the first leg of their UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final clash in Germany on Tuesday.
Dutch striker Lineth Beerensteyn scored the decisive goal in the 14th minute, capitalising on a swift counterattack to stun the eight-time European champions and hand Wolfsburg a slim advantage heading into next week’s return leg in France.
“The difference was that we were really strong collectively,” Beerensteyn said after the match. “We fought for every metre, for every goal, and in the end we won 1-0. I’m so proud of this team.”
Lyon, who are aiming to win the European title again for the first time since 2022, started the game strongly and controlled possession early on. However, the home side struck against the run of play.
Germany international Vivien Endemann intercepted the ball and surged down the left flank before sliding a pass across the box to Beerensteyn. The Dutch forward adjusted quickly and fired with her right foot, with a deflection wrong-footing Lyon goalkeeper Christiane Endler.
The goal marked Beerensteyn’s fifth of the campaign in the tournament.
Despite trailing, Lyon continued to dominate possession. Wolfsburg, however, looked more dangerous on the counterattack throughout the first half.
Around the half-hour mark, Endler reacted sharply to deny Ella Peddemors with a low save, while veteran Lyon defender Wendie Renard cleared the rebound to prevent further danger.
Lyon pushed harder after the break and nearly found an equaliser early in the second half when Ada Hegerberg rose to meet a cross, but her header was cleared off the goal line by Peddemors.
Shortly before the hour mark, Kadidiatou Diani also came close for the French side when her low effort struck the Wolfsburg post.
The visitors continued to search for an equaliser, with Marie-Antoinette Katoto heading narrowly wide late in the match.
Despite the defeat, Lyon defender Ashley Lawrence remained optimistic about their chances ahead of the return fixture.
“It’s true there’s some disappointment, but we know it’s only the first match; there are still 90 minutes left,” she said.
The decisive second leg will take place in Lyon on April 2. The winner of the tie will advance to face either Arsenal Women or Chelsea Women in the semi-finals.
