On March 24, 2026, Olympique Lyon Women faced a challenging match against Wolfsburg in the first leg of the Women’s Champions League quarter-finals, held in Germany. The match ended with a score of 1-0 in favor of Wolfsburg, putting Lyon in a difficult position as they prepare for the second leg.
Lineth Beerensteyn scored the only goal of the match just 14 minutes in, giving Wolfsburg an early lead. Despite Lyon’s efforts to equalize, including several chances and a shot that hit the post, they were unable to convert their opportunities into goals.
The defeat marks a setback for Lyon, who are looking to reclaim the Champions League title for the first time since 2022. Historically, Lyon has been a dominant force in women’s football, having won the Champions League eight times, while Wolfsburg has secured the title twice in 2013 and 2014.
The match featured veteran defender Wendie Renard, who faced Wolfsburg for the 12th time in the Champions League. Her experience and leadership will be crucial as Lyon prepares for the decisive second leg.
Ashley Lawrence, a key player for Lyon, expressed disappointment after the match but emphasized that there are still 90 minutes left in the competition. “It’s true there’s some disappointment, but we know it’s only the first match; there are still 90 minutes left,” she stated.
Looking ahead, the second leg of the quarter-final will take place in Lyon on April 2, 2026. Lyon will need to harness their home advantage and show resilience to overturn the deficit.
Beerensteyn noted the importance of maintaining a strong collective spirit in the upcoming match, saying, “If we show the same spirit (in the second leg) as we did today, we can make it very difficult.” This sentiment reflects the competitive nature of the tournament and the high stakes involved.
The final of the Women’s Champions League is scheduled for May 23, 2026, in Oslo, and both teams are vying for a place in that prestigious match. Lyon’s history of success in the tournament adds pressure as they aim to advance past Wolfsburg.
As the teams prepare for the second leg, the outcome of this quarter-final will significantly impact the aspirations of both clubs in this year’s Champions League campaign.
