The women of VfL Wolfsburg won the second leg of their UEFA Women’s Champions League play-off tie 2-0 (1-0) away at Juventus FC to seal their place in the quarter-finals. Vivien Endemann (18’) opened the scoring at the Allianz Stadium before Cora Zicai wrapped things up in stoppage time (90+5’). Thanks to the victory, the Lower Saxony side will face OL Lyonnes in the quarter-finals.
PERSONNEL
Compared to last Sunday’s draw against SGS Essen, VfL head coach Stephan Lerch made four changes to his starting line-up: Thea Bjelde came in for Joelle Wedemeyer, Caitlin Dijkstra replaced Sophia Kleinherne, Camilla Küver started instead of Guro Bergsvand and Vivien Endemann took the place of Kessya Bussy.
MATCH SUMMARY
Juventus had the first opportunity of the match, but Stina Johannes was equal to Bonansea’s long-range curler (3’). The She-Wolves gradually took control thereafter, pressing the hosts early and earning their reward in the 18th minute: after a low pass from Ella Peddemors to Svenja Huth, the latter kept her composure and found Vivien Endemann in the penalty area, who slotted home to give VfL the lead. Juventus looked to respond through Bonansea, but Johannes produced another strong save (25’). Lineth Beerensteyn had a chance to make it 2-0 shortly before half-time but narrowly missed the target (44’). After the break, Juventus increased the pressure. Johannes was repeatedly called into action, including a fine stop from close range to deny Vangsgaard (70’), and was also shown a yellow card for time-wasting (75’). The She-Wolves defended compactly, cleared their lines consistently and continued to threaten on the counter. Camilla Küver went close with a header (64’), while Beerensteyn was denied by the Juve goalkeeper (61’). In the closing stages, Juventus threw everything forward, but VfL remained focused. In stoppage time, Cora Zicai finally sealed the win with a superb strike (90+5’).
