- Wolfsburg edged Paris Saint Germain on Thursday evening to reach the semifinals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL)
- Wolfsburg have so far only lost two of their last 21 Women’s Champions League games at home (W16 D3)
Wolfsburg edged Paris Saint Germain on Thursday evening to reach the semifinals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL).
The Bundesliga giants had won 1-0 at the Parc des Princes last week, thanks to a Dominique Janssen penalty. For them, it was just about remaining calm in front of 14,367 fans at the VW Arena so as to progress to the semis. They opened the scoring through Alexandra Popp in the 20th minute to lead 2-0 on aggregate.
Alexandra Popp celebrates after scoring against PSG. Photo/ Sports Brief.
PSG scored 10 minutes later but they couldn’t find another goal to send this match into extra time. The French giants lost in the end-to-end encounter in Germany and are out of the Champions League in the quarterfinal stage.
Wolfsburg have so far only lost two of their last 21 Women’s Champions League games at home (W16 D3).
Speaking after his side proceeded to the semifinals of the UWCL, Wolfsburg coach Tommy Stroot said he was so proud of the performance of his team.
“We’re delighted. I am so proud of the team. It’s really special to play in a quarter-final and it will be even better to play in the semi-finals, among the best four teams. It was incredible [celebrating with the fans]; we are enjoying every moment of it because it’s really special to play here at the Wolfsburg Arena against teams like Paris, and soon Arsenal.” UEFA.com quotes Tommy Stroot.
Wolfsburg will face Premier League side Arsenal in the semis. The Gunners knocked out Bayern Munich in their quarterfinal clash played on Wednesday evening at the Emirates Stadium.
Wolfsburg Reach UWCL Semifinals
Paris Saint-Germain started the match on the front foot as they wanted to level the score as soon as possible. The French giants had an opener after Diani beat Wolfsburg goalkeeper Merle Frohms with a close range finish. However, the goal was ruled offside after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) check.
Wolfsburg had their first attacking charge in the 20th minute, which Popp started. She linked up with Felicitas Rauch for a one-two pass before sliding into a stunning shot to put the German powerhouse 2-0 up on aggregate.
Poop nearly scored a brace eight minutes later with a superb diving header but Sarah Bouhaddi kept PSG’s hopes alive with a brilliant save.
The visitors then found the back of the net in the 30th minute to reduce the deficit to 2-1 on aggregate. It was Diani who leapt ahead of Wolfsburg’s Dominique Janssen to head Sakina Karchaoui’s cross.
PSG’s goalscorer and biggest threat on attack, Diani, suffered a shoulder injury just before the break following a hefty challenge from Kathrin-Julia Hendrich. She left the speech in tears.
Wolfsburg were in control of the match in the second half but they didn’t manage to score another goal until the referee blew his whistle for full time.
Wolfsburg are through to their eighth UWCL semi-final. Photo/ DW.
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