Wolfsburg Edge Lyon 1-0 in UWCL Quarterfinals
Lineth Beerensteyn scores as Wolfsburg take slender lead over Lyon in Women's Champions League quarterfinal.
Wolfsburg beat Lyon 1-0 in Women's Champions League quarterfinal first leg, thanks to Lineth Beerensteyn's goal...
Wolfsburg edged out Lyon with a 1-0 win in the first leg of their Women's Champions League quarter-final, thanks to a first-half goal from Lineth Beerensteyn. The Dutch striker scored in the 14th minute, catching Lyon off guard on the break and giving Wolfsburg a narrow lead heading into the second leg in France.
Beerensteyn's goal was her fifth in the competition this season, and it sets up an intriguing rematch next week. Lyon, the eight-time champions, will be looking to turn the tables in France, but Wolfsburg will be confident of their chances after this solid away win.
“The difference was that we were really strong collectively,” Beerensteyn told UEFA.
“We fought for every metre, for every goal, and in the end we won 1-0. I'm so proud of this team. It was an amazing performance today. If we show the same spirit (in the second leg) as we did today, we can make it very difficult.”
Lyon looked determined to end their title drought, pushing hard from the start and dominating possession. But it was Wolfsburg who struck first, catching Lyon off guard. Germany's Vivien Endemann intercepted a pass and sparked a quick counter-attack, driving down the left before sliding the ball across to Beerensteyn.
The Dutch striker didn't waste the opportunity, pouncing on the pass to score her fifth goal in the competition this season. Lyon will be frustrated by the start they got to the game, but they'll be confident they can turn things around in France next week.
The Dutch striker had to adjust quickly to collect the pass slightly behind her before shooting off her right foot. The ball deflected off her shot, wrong-footing Chilean goalkeeper Christiane Endler in the Lyon goal. It was a great finish from Beerensteyn, who has now scored five goals in the Champions League campaign.
Lyon continued to dominate possession after going behind, but Wolfsburg's defense remained solid. The French side, who had beaten Wolfsburg 3-1 in the league phase, pushed hard for an equalizer, but Wolfsburg were looking sharp on the break. The German team, who won back-to-back Champions League titles in 2013 and 2014, were well-organized and happy to soak up the pressure.
On the half-hour mark, Lyon's goalkeeper Christiane Endler had to make a crucial save, beating away Ella Peddemors' left-footed shot. The ball had threatened to sneak past her, but Endler was equal to it. Veteran defender Wendie Renard, facing Wolfsburg for the 12th time in the Champions League, also made a timely intervention, clearing the danger.
Lyon continued to push for an equalizer, and they almost got it two minutes into the second half. Ada Hegerberg's header was heading for the top corner, but Ella Peddemors made a spectacular goal-line clearance, denying the French striker and keeping Wolfsburg's lead intact.
Kadidiatou Diani had a great chance to equalize for Lyon just before the hour mark, but her low shot across goal hit the foot of the Wolfsburg post. Lyon kept pushing for the equalizer, but Wolfsburg's defense held firm.
Advantage Wolfsburg 🟢💪#UWCL pic.twitter.com/JPc65bev3x
— UEFA Women’s Champions League (@UWCL) March 24, 2026
Marie-Antoinette Katoto almost snatched one back for Lyon in the dying moments, but her effort glanced wide of the post. The French side will be frustrated to have dominated possession but come away with nothing, while Wolfsburg will be happy with their slender lead heading into the second leg in France.
“It's true there's some disappointment but we know it's only the first match, there are still 90 minutes left,” Lyon defender Ashley Lawrence told L'Equipe.
“Now it's up to us to analyse things and come back stronger. There were positives as well; we created chances, we even hit the post.”
The second leg is in Lyon on Thursday, April 2. Wolfsburg will be looking to defend their lead and progress to the semi-finals, where they'll face either Arsenal or Chelsea. Interestingly, Arsenal took a 3-1 lead in their first leg against Chelsea on Tuesday evening.
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