Welcome to the first leg of the Women’s Champions League quarter-final between Wolfsburg and OL Lyonnes. The highly anticipated match kicks off at 6:45 PM CET from the Wolfsburg Arena.
A Classic European Rivalry: Wolfsburg vs. OL Lyonnes
This encounter marks the 12th confrontation between Wolfsburg and OL Lyonnes, a record number of matchups in the competition, shared only with OLL-PSG. Earlier this season, OL Lyonnes secured a 3-1 victory over Wolfsburg in France during Matchday 3 of the league phase. Ada Hegerberg netted a brace (25′, 30′) and Wendie Renard added a penalty (72′), while Lineth Beerensteyn scored a consolation goal for the visitors (80′).
Overall, the Lyonnaises have dominated this fixture, winning eight of their eleven previous clashes, including three consecutive victories. This rivalry has also graced four Champions League finals: Wolfsburg claimed the first in 2013 (1-0), but Lyon emerged victorious in the subsequent three in 2016 (1-1 a.e.t., 4-3 p.s.o.), 2018 (4-1 a.e.t.), and 2020 (3-1).
Wolfsburg’s Mixed Fortunes Against French Opponents
Wolfsburg registered an impressive 4-0 home victory against PSG on the first matchday of this season’s league phase. However, this remains their sole win in their last seven encounters against French teams, with their record also including two draws and four defeats in that period.
OL Lyonnes’ Impressive Undefeated Season So Far
OL Lyonnes secured direct qualification for the quarter-finals after finishing second in their group stage, boasting an undefeated record of 16 points (5 wins and 1 draw against Juventus), level with FC Barcelona. Wolfsburg, who finished ninth in the league phase with nine points (3 wins, 3 losses), had to navigate the knockout play-offs, where they successfully eliminated Juventus with a 4-2 aggregate score.
A Legacy of European Trophies
Wolfsburg has twice lifted the Champions League trophy, securing back-to-back European titles by defeating Lyon in the 2013 final and Tyresö the following year in 2014. OL Lyonnes, on the other hand, holds an unparalleled record with eight European crowns from 11 finals contested in the competition. Their most recent success came in 2022, with a commanding 3-1 victory over FC Barcelona in the final held in Turin.
Quarter-Finals: A Regular Stage for Both Clubs
OL Lyonnes is making its 17th appearance in the Champions League quarter-finals, a record they share with Arsenal. Wolfsburg is participating for the 13th time, which is a record for any German club.
OL Lyonnes Aims to Reclaim European Dominance
While OL Lyonnes continues to hold the record for most Champions League victories with eight titles (ahead of Barça’s three), the coveted trophy has eluded Jonatan Giraldez’s squad since 2022. Last season, Wendie Renard and her teammates were eliminated in the semi-finals by eventual champions Arsenal.
OL Lyonnes’ Classic Starting XI for Giraldez
The expected classic lineup for OL Lyonnes under Coach Giraldez features:
Endler – Lawrence, Renard, Engen, Bacha – Dumornay, Egurrola, Heaps – Diani, Hegerberg, Chawinga
