Following their 1-1 draw at Arsenal in the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final first leg last week, VfL Women sealed a place in the last four with a 2-0 triumph on home turf.
Early lead
The 11,293 spectators in attendance at the Volkswagen Arena witnessed a dominant VfL side, who took the lead in the ninth minute thanks to Jill Roord’s strike. The Green-and-Whites remained on top for the rest of the first half, but were unable to extend their advantage despite chances for Roord (17‘) and Sveindí Jónsdóttir (34‘).
Willamson own goal
Arsenal pushed for an equaliser after the interval but head coach Tommy Stroot’s charges held firm at the back, and established a decisive two-goal cushion in the 73rd minute when Leah Williamson turned a cross from Jónsdóttir into her own net. There was further cause for celebration when Ewa Pajor made her comeback from injury in the 79th minute as a replacement for Jónsdóttir.
Semi-final against Barcelona
The victory sets up a semi-final against reigning champions FC Barcelona. The first leg will be held on 23 April in Barcelona, with the return fixture scheduled for 30 April. The exact kick-off times will be determined by UEFA in due course.
Coach’s reaction
“I’m proud of my team and the manner in which we played really delighted me. We were very dominant in the first half and we’re pleased about the record crowd of 11,293 at the Volkswagen Arena.”
Line-ups and stats
VfL Wolfsburg: Schult – Wilms, Hendrich, Janssen, Rauch – Oberdorf (86‘ Blomkvist), Lattwein (45‘ Popp) – Huth, Roord, Jonsdottir (79‘ Pajor) – Waßmuth
Subs: Kiedrzynek (GK), Weiß (GK), Blässe, Cordes, Knaak, Smits, Starke, van de Sanden
Arsenal Women FC: Zinsberger – Williamson, Wubben-Moy, Catley – Little, Maanum (71’ Nobbs), Maritz (79’ Wienroither), McCabe (71’ Parris), Heath (46’ Foord), Miedema – Blackstenius
Subs: Williams (GK), Cull (Tor), Beattie, Boye
Goals: 1-0 Roord (9‘), 2-0 Williamson (73‘, own goal)
Yellow cards: – / –
Referee: Ivana Projkovska (MKD)
Attendance: 11,293 at Volkswagen Arena
