Wolfsburg women edge past Graz to seal Europa Cup last‑16 spot

In the chilly evening at Stadion Graz-Liebenau, the Wolfsburger Fußballerinnen clinched a place in the Europa Cup round of 16 after a 2‑0 victory over Sturm Graz, witnessed by 1,649 spectators.

First‑half dominance

Coach Stephan Lerch reshuffled five positions from the first leg, and the VfL team asserted control from the first whistle. By the thirteenth minute the score read 2‑0, and the half‑time board displayed a comfortable 4‑0 lead.

Janina Minge’s effort at the 22nd minute was the only notable strike, only to be deflected by keeper Vanessa Gritzner. Apart from that, the VfL side generated little danger, relying on a solid defensive shape.

Round‑of‑16 draw and future opponents

Defender Lou Bogaert, now 32, opened the scoring with a curling free‑kick that sailed over the Graz wall into the top‑right corner, restoring the 1‑0 margin. Later, Norwegian substitute Anny Kerim‑Lindland entered at the 84th minute and, within two minutes, forced another save to secure the 2‑0 final tally.

The match atmosphere was sparse, with only one VfL supporter cheering loudly: "Auf geht's Wolfsburg, schieß ein Tor!" The chant echoed through the arena but the goal came only after the substitution.

On Friday, the draw for the round of 16 will be held in Nyon, Switzerland, fixing the next stage of the competition’s Cups. Potential opponents include Ajax Amsterdam, Eintracht Frankfurt – who overcame FH Hafnarfjördur – or Sparta Prague.

Looking ahead, the Wolfsburg women can rest before the Bundesliga north derby on Sunday at 13:45 against Hamburger SV, while striker Lara Prašnikar missed a chance in the 61st minute, her header saved by Gritzner. The Team’s solid start to the season earned a call‑up for a player back into the German national squad.