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Emily Keogh
MADRID — VfL Wolfsburg, a former champion, had a golden opportunity to secure a spot in the top four of the UEFA Women’s Champions League and guarantee advancement to the knockout stage. Instead, they handed the chance to a nine-player Real Madrid, who emerged victorious 2-0, positioning themselves on the brink of advancing to the next round.
With both teams needing a win in this crucial match, the contest was always expected to be closely contested. Both had previously dropped points — Wolfsburg against Lyon and Real Madrid against Arsenal and Paris FC — leaving everything still to fight for.
Despite finishing the match with nine players, Real Madrid displayed impressive dominance, frustrating a Wolfsburg team eager to reclaim its position among Europe’s elite. Wolfsburg had every opportunity to take control and assert their authority, but their missed chances and lackluster performance painted a different picture, suggesting that Real Madrid might be ready to challenge the traditional power hierarchy.
Maëlle Lakrar received two quick yellow cards just before halftime, leaving Real Madrid a player short. Later, Iris Santiago‘s red card in the dying minutes further deepened their disadvantage, yet Wolfsburg failed to capitalize on the situation.
Initially, Wolfsburg seemed to have the upper hand; however, Real Madrid settled into the game, capitalizing on a significant error, with María Méndez scoring off a corner kick. Though Wolfsburg dominated possession and created more chances, their inability to finish meant they fell short repeatedly.
Moreover, Madrid’s rapid counter-attacks continually troubled the opposition. Even after Lakrar’s dismissal, Wolfsburg could not effectively utilize their numerical advantage. Their offensive plays became rushed, predictable, and narrow, demonstrating a failure to adapt during halftime.
Linda Caicedo shone throughout, forcing two significant saves from Wolfsburg’s Stina Johannes before doubling Madrid’s lead in the 67th minute against the run of play. The puzzled expressions on the Wolfsburg players illustrated their frustration at losing momentum so quickly.
Wolfsburg squandered yet another opportunity, with Alexandra Popp coming closest to scoring with a strong shot that was saved by Misa Rodríguez. Madrid nearly extended their lead when Caroline Weir fired wide from close range after another setup from Caicedo.
Despite finishing the match with nine players due to Santiago’s late red card for a reckless challenge on goalkeeper Johannes, Wolfsburg could still not find the back of the net. They registered 19 shots, with six on target, compared to Madrid’s eight shots with four on target. The body language of the Wolfsburg players at the final whistle reflected their disappointment over missed chances.
After the match, Wolfsburg defender Janou Levels expressed, “We started really well, creating chances, but it’s disappointing to lose. If we had converted some of our opportunities, the outcome might have been different. We attempted to spread the game with an extra player and increase our crosses, but ultimately it was difficult to generate clear chances. Now we must prepare to face Chelsea at home and aim for a good result.”
Prior to the match, many believed Wolfsburg was a team capable of challenging the dominance of OL Lyonnes or Barcelona, especially following their significant 5-2 victory over Manchester United. With a rich history and the presence of top scorer Popp, they seemed ready to bounce back. However, this latest defeat may signal a further decline in their standing within European football.
While both teams have ensured a place in the knockout stage, the nature of their advancement, whether direct qualification or via playoffs, is still unknown, making this result pivotal for both.
Real Madrid has temporarily entered the top four, but with five upcoming matches on Wednesday, they must await results from other games to see if they maintain that position. Although avoiding playoffs will be a challenge, they remain firmly in the race. With Wolfsburg facing Chelsea and Lyon meeting Manchester United on the final day, all teams are close to the top four, giving Madrid a realistic shot.
Following several disappointing seasons, including a last-place finish last year, losing five of six matches and securing only one point, Real Madrid is disrupting the predicted hierarchy of Barcelona, Lyon, Chelsea, and Arsenal, asserting themselves as a serious contender.
In contrast, this defeat significantly undermines Wolfsburg’s chances for automatic qualification. With two losses in their last five outings and a crucial clash against a reeling Chelsea side, fresh off a rare league defeat, their prospects of a top-four finish are bleak.
Once a dominant presence in European competition, clinching two titles between 2012 and 2014 and finishing as runners-up four times, Wolfsburg has recently struggled to meet expectations. A heavy loss to Barcelona in the 2023 final, followed by a disappointing elimination in qualification the subsequent season and a quarterfinal exit last year, has diminished their formidable status. This latest setback is just another disappointment for the team, which may now have to deal with extra fixtures in February.
While Real Madrid will savor this victory, their focus will soon turn to the results of the upcoming matches that will determine their next steps against Twente and the results they need elsewhere to secure a coveted place in the top four.