On Monday night, April 28, 2025, the VfL Wolfsburg women's team delivered a thrilling performance, defeating TSG Hoffenheim 2:1 in front of 2,775 fans at the AOK-Stadion. This victory was crucial for Wolfsburg as they vie for a Champions League spot in the Bundesliga, particularly with Eintracht Frankfurt having won their match earlier in the weekend.
The match began with both teams displaying a cautious approach, resulting in a goalless first half. However, the tempo picked up significantly after the break. TSG Hoffenheim took the lead in the 65th minute when Vanessa Diehm unleashed a stunning shot from about 20 meters out, finding the top right corner of the net and leaving Wolfsburg goalkeeper Anneke Borbe with no chance to respond.
Wolfsburg, who had struggled to find their rhythm throughout the match, faced a pressing situation as they needed a win to keep their Champions League hopes alive. The pressure mounted as Eintracht Frankfurt had just secured a 4:0 victory against 1. FC Köln, temporarily pushing Wolfsburg down to third place. But the Wölfinnen showed resilience. Just nine minutes after Hoffenheim's opener, Alexandra Popp, the former national team captain, equalized in the 74th minute. Popp capitalized on a chaotic situation in the box, converting a loose ball with a precise left-footed shot, igniting hopes for a comeback.
As the match approached its conclusion, the tension in the stadium was palpable. With time running out, interim coach Sabrina Eckhoff's side pushed forward relentlessly. The breakthrough came in the dying moments of the match when Jule Brand, who had come off the bench, scored the decisive goal in the third minute of added time. Brand received a long pass from Justine Kielland, skillfully lifted the ball over the advancing Hoffenheim goalkeeper Laura Dick, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
“I’m glad we pulled off the three points. Whether it's pretty or not, I don’t care,” Brand said after the match, reflecting on the importance of the win. “Each of us has the ambition to play internationally next season and compete with the best. Therefore, the clear goal is second place.”
This match marked the first time this season that Wolfsburg managed to come back from a deficit to secure a win, showcasing their fighting spirit and determination. Despite a shaky start, the Wölfinnen managed to regain their composure and secure a vital victory.
Wolfsburg's performance was not without its challenges. The team struggled to create clear chances in the first half, with Popp’s attempt in the 12th minute being their only significant threat. Hoffenheim, on the other hand, demonstrated greater attacking intent, nearly scoring twice before the break. Marta Cazalla rattled the crossbar with a header in the 29th minute and had another close attempt shortly after.
After a disappointing draw against SC Freiburg in their previous match, Wolfsburg needed to regain their momentum, and they did just that. The victory not only lifted them back into second place, but it also intensified the competition for Champions League qualification as the season nears its conclusion.
The upcoming matches will be crucial for both Wolfsburg and Frankfurt. Wolfsburg will face Turbine Potsdam on Saturday, May 3, 2025, while Frankfurt takes on Hoffenheim on Sunday, May 4, 2025. With just a few games remaining, every point is vital as teams jockey for position in the league.
Wolfsburg's path to securing Champions League football is clearer now, but they must continue to perform at a high level to maintain their position. The team is determined to finish the season strong, especially with the prospect of Brand leaving for Olympique Lyon after this season, making every match a testament to her contributions to the club.
As the season winds down, the excitement in the Frauen-Bundesliga is palpable, with teams fighting for every point. Wolfsburg’s dramatic comeback win against Hoffenheim is a reminder of the unpredictability and thrill that football brings, and the Wölfinnen are ready to chase their Champions League dreams.
