Uncover the key moments from Barcelona Women’s impressive 4-1 win over Wolfsburg, featuring standout plays by Paredes, Paralluelo, and Schertenleib.
Introduction:
Barcelona delivered a statement performance in the first leg of their UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final, securing a convincing 4-1 victory over Wolfsburg. Goals from Irene Paredes, Salma Paralluelo, and Sydney Schertenleib, alongside an early own goal forced by Ewa Pajor’s pressure, gave the defending champions a commanding lead. Wolfsburg’s Janina Minge scored a late consolation, but the German side now faces a daunting challenge in the return leg at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
Barcelona’s Early Dominance and Wolfsburg’s Defensive Struggles
The match started with Barcelona immediately asserting their control, dominating possession, and pushing Wolfsburg deep into their half. Despite a few promising counterattacks from Wolfsburg, the visitors looked the more dangerous side, and it wasn’t long before their pressure paid off.
In the 26th minute, Caroline Graham Hansen sent Aitana Bonmatí down the right flank. The playmaker delivered a low cross towards the near post, aiming for Ewa Pajor. However, Wolfsburg defender Caitlin Dijkstra, attempting to block the ball, inadvertently deflected it past her goalkeeper. While unfortunate for Dijkstra, Barcelona’s attacking movement and Pajor’s presence had forced the mistake, giving the reigning champions a deserved 1-0 lead. See also: Real Madrid Women Stunned Arsenal with 2-0 UWCL
Barcelona nearly doubled their lead before halftime when Alexia Putellas unleashed a thunderous strike from the edge of the penalty area, but her shot whistled just wide of the post. The first half ended with Wolfsburg struggling to gain a foothold, having managed just three attacks compared to Barcelona’s 42.
Paredes and Paralluelo Strike in Quick Succession
Any hopes Wolfsburg had of staging a comeback were crushed within the opening minutes of the second half. Barcelona came out with relentless intensity, and in the 49th minute, a well-worked short-corner routine led to their second goal. María León whipped in a dangerous cross from the right, finding Irene Paredes at the near post. The center-back made no mistake, firing a first-time effort into the net to make it 2-0.
Just three minutes later, Barcelona struck again. This time, Aitana Bonmatí was at the heart of the move, driving forward before spotting Salma Paralluelo in space inside the box. The young forward took a quick touch before unleashing a shot that took a slight deflection, wrong-footing the goalkeeper and nestling into the net. With the score now 3-0, Wolfsburg were reeling.
Wolfsburg Fight Back, But Barcelona Respond
Wolfsburg coach Tommy Stroot reacted by making substitutions, including bringing on Sophie Endemann and Rebecka Blomqvist in an attempt to spark a comeback. The hosts finally found a response in the 73rd minute. A well-delivered out-swinging corner from Lynn Wilms was met by Janina Minge, who rose highest to power a header into the roof of the net. It was only the second goal Barcelona had conceded in their last six UWCL matches.
However, any hopes of a dramatic Wolfsburg revival were extinguished in the 84th minute. A defensive error gifted Barcelona possession in a dangerous area, and substitute Sydney Schertenleib took full advantage. From inside the box, she curled a precise shot into the far corner, restoring Barcelona’s three-goal advantage and sealing a 4-1 victory.
Caroline Graham Hansen Shines
Named Player of the Match, Graham Hansen was instrumental in Barcelona’s attacking dominance. Her ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations and her link-up play with Aitana Bonmatí were crucial in breaking down Wolfsburg’s defense.
Wolfsburg’s Defensive Woes Continue
Wolfsburg’s struggles at the back were evident, as Barcelona ruthlessly exploited their vulnerabilities. The German side had hoped to be brave in possession, but their defensive structure crumbled under relentless pressure.
Barcelona’s Relentless Attacking Style
From the outset, Barcelona’s approach was aggressive and direct. Their speed in transition, precision in passing, and positional awareness overwhelmed Wolfsburg, ensuring they took full control of the tie.
Wolfsburg Need a Miracle in the Second Leg
Facing a three-goal deficit, Wolfsburg will need an extraordinary performance in Barcelona to turn the tie around. The defending champions, however, look set to advance comfortably to yet another semi-final.
What’s Next?
The second leg takes place next Thursday in Barcelona, where Wolfsburg will attempt an unlikely comeback. However, given Barcelona’s dominant display and three-goal cushion, it would take something special to prevent them from marching into the semi-finals.
For now, Barcelona can celebrate a near-flawless performance, one that showcased why they remain the team to beat in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.