Barcelona earned a commanding 4-1 victory over Wolfsburg in the first leg of their UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-finals on March 19, 2025, asserting their dominance in this thrilling encounter and putting them on the path to the semifinals.
The match kicked off with Barcelona clearly on a mission, looking to set the stage against one of their toughest opponents. Just 26 minutes in, the game turned in Barcelona's favor when Wolfsburg's Caitlin Dijkstra inadvertently scored an own goal, turning a low cross from Aitana Bonmatí into her own net.
The goal energized Barcelona, who began to control possession and thread together incisive plays that left their opponents struggling to respond. A few minutes later, Alexia Putellas nearly doubled the lead with a powerful left-footed effort that narrowly went off target. The first half ended with Barcelona enjoying a 1-0 advantage, but it was just a precursor of what was to come.
The second half opened explosively for the visitors, with Irene Paredes tapping in a low ball from a corner in the 50th minute, extending their lead to 2-0. Only three minutes later, Salma Paralluelo scored a deflected goal from the edge of the area, making it 3-0 as Barcelona showcased their scoring prowess.
Wolfsburg, while occasionally threatening on counter-attacks, found their attempts stymied by a resolute Barcelona defense. It was only in the 79th minute that Wolfsburg's Janina Minge offered a glimpse of hope, scoring their first goal with a header following their first corner of the match, putting the score at 3-1.
However, Barcelona quickly crushed any resurgence from their hosts when substitute Sydney Schertenleib struck a stunning goal in the 88th minute, curling a finish into the top corner to finalize the tie at 4-1 in favor of the Spanish side.
"Wolfsburg are a really good team, but we are confident in our game and our players," Paredes told UEFA after the match. "We were so serious and we didn't make mistakes – that's key in this type of game. We always had to stay alert because they can play long balls and hurt us."
Caroline Graham Hansen, recognized as the Player of the Match, contributed significantly, providing vital passes and showing her strength in one-on-one situations. "I've played here before and lost, so it was great to win today. We played a very professional match," she stated. Graham Hansen's impact was clear as she played a key role in initiating the play that led to the own goal and continued to support her teammates defensively and offensively throughout the match.
Wolfsburg’s head coach, Tommy Stroot, reflected on their struggles against Barcelona’s fluid and aggressive play: "We know how Barcelona plays, especially when they have possession. Today, we didn't show the quality we have with the ball, which allowed them to shine. It makes it difficult to make the right decisions. At this level, you have to perform, or you get punished."
This loss marks a significant hurdle for Wolfsburg, who had previously reached the quarter-finals 11 consecutive times but fell short in their campaign last year. As they prepare for the second leg set for March 27, 2025, at Estadi Johan Cruyff, the challenge ahead remains daunting, especially facing the reigning champions who have only lost two of their last 25 matches in the competition.
Barcelona’s triumph once again underlines their strength, having already secured three Champions League titles in the last four years. Their impressive performance against Wolfsburg, compounded by the fact they created over 20 shots on goal in the match, has made them the favorites moving forward. With the winner facing either Manchester City or Chelsea in the semi-finals, the stakes continue to rise as the tournament progresses.
Given that the second leg will take place at home just days away, the expectation for Barcelona will be to protect their lead and secure a place in the final four of the prestigious tournament. Any slip-ups could leave the door ajar for Wolfsburg to stage a remarkable comeback at home.
As for Wolfsburg, the opportunity remains for redemption. They will need to regroup, refine their strategy, and lean on their experience, having recently lost to Bayern 3-1 in their league despite being close contenders for the title in the Bundesliga. The next month holds potential for both teams as they vie for a crucial shot at European glory.
This was not just a match but a testament to Barcelona's relentless pursuit of excellence in women's football. With every expectation for the return leg, fans and players alike will be eagerly anticipating what promises to be another electrifying encounter.
