After a dominant first leg, VfL Wolfsburg aims to continue its Cup conquest in Graz

In the bright glare of the stadium in Graz, the VfL Wolfsburg team is ready to play the second leg against the Austrian league leaders Sturm Graz. After the 6:1 thrashing in the first leg, coach Stephan Lerch and the players expect another intense duel to secure entry into the Europa Cup.

6:1 First leg against Sturm Graz

In the first encounter the Wolfsburg women clearly dominated. Ella Peddemors (10.), Lara Prasnikar (13.), Smilla Vallotto (30.), Svenja Huth (37.), Katharina Piljic (83.) and Lena Lattwein (86.) scored for the 6:1 (4:0) win. The first half was characterized by the VfL's superior play, while Sturm Graz made no offensive impact.

Goal: Europa Cup qualification

Tonight, at 18.30, the VfL Wolfsburg women will play the second leg in Graz, which will be broadcast on the Livecenter at NDR.de. Coach Stephan Lerch emphasizes that despite the clear lead, full concentration is required: “We go into the match as if it were 0:0,” he said.

Lerch added that the match is also another opportunity to take the next steps in development. He wants his squad to stay hungry and play with high intensity, in order to demonstrate both victory and a good performance.

The 42‑year‑old coach is curious how the team will handle the clear lead and whether it can take control of the game from the start. He also pointed to the balance between load management and the desire for a well‑drilled squad.

The Europa Cup is the only tournament that the VfL women have not yet won. Unlike the Champions League, there is no group stage – all rounds are decided in a knockout duel. This season is only the second edition of the competition.

Last season the Swedish BK Häcken claimed the title, after the Frankfurt rivals were eliminated in the semi‑finals. The Wolfsburg women now aim to reach the round of 16 decisively and confirm their status as favourites.