Wolfsburg vs Lyon: Women's Champions League Quarter-Final First Leg Preview

The UEFA Women's Champions League quarter-final first leg brings together two titans of European football, Wolfsburg and Olympique Lyonnais, in a highly anticipated encounter at the Wolfsburg Arena. This match is set to be another chapter in their storied rivalry.

A Legacy of Champions: History and Honours

Both Wolfsburg and Olympique Lyonnais boast exceptional pedigrees in women's club football. OL holds an unparalleled record with eight Champions League titles, their most recent triumph coming in 2022. Wolfsburg has also tasted European glory, winning the competition consecutively in 2013 and 2014. This quarter-final marks Lyon's 17th appearance at this stage, a record shared with Arsenal, while Wolfsburg reaches the quarter-finals for the 13th time, a record for any German club.

Intense Rivalry: Head-to-Head Encounters

This upcoming match will be the 12th time these two formidable teams have clashed. Lyon has historically held the upper hand, securing eight victories in their eleven previous confrontations, including a streak of three consecutive wins. They last met earlier this season in the Champions League group stage, where Lyon emerged victorious with a convincing 3-1 win in France. Their rivalry has also graced four Champions League finals: Wolfsburg claimed the first in 2013, but Lyon has since dominated, winning the subsequent finals in 2016 (via penalties), 2018 (after extra time), and 2020.

Current Momentum: Form and Performance

Olympique Lyonnais approaches this fixture in formidable form, maintaining an undefeated record throughout this season's Champions League campaign with five wins and one draw, ultimately finishing second in their league phase group. Wolfsburg's path to the quarter-finals was more challenging; after finishing ninth in their league phase, they successfully navigated a playoff round, overcoming Juventus with a 4-2 aggregate score. Wolfsburg has shown some vulnerability against French opposition recently, with only one win in their last seven matches against teams from France, despite a dominant 4-0 victory against PSG earlier this season.

What's at Stake: Objectives for Both Sides

Lyon is driven by the ambition to reclaim European supremacy after their elimination in the semi-finals last year. They will be looking to establish a strong advantage in this away leg. Wolfsburg, on the other hand, will be eager to reverse Lyon's recent dominance in their direct encounters and secure a crucial home victory to set a positive tone for the return leg.

Expected Lineup for Olympique Lyonnais

Lyon's coach, Jonatan Giraldez, is expected to field a classic starting XI for this crucial match:

• Goalkeeper: Endler
• Defenders: Lawrence, Renard, Engen, Bacha
• Midfielders: Dumornay, Egurrola, Heaps
• Forwards: Diani, Hegerberg, Chawinga