Wolfsburg women stride towards last‑16 with dominant first‑leg win

VfL Wolfsburg’s women secured a six‑goal victory over Sturm Graz in the opening leg of the Europa Cup second‑round qualifier, putting them in a strong position to progress to the last‑16. The 6‑1 (4‑0 at half‑time) win means the team travel to Austria with more than one leg in the competition.

First‑leg dominance in Graz

The match at Stadion Graz‑Liebenau saw the Niedersächsinnen dominate possession, reportedly holding about 95 percent of the ball in the opening half. Goals came from Ella Peddemors (10'), Lara Prasnikar (13'), Smilla Vallotto (30'), Svenja Huth (37'), Katharina Piljic (83') and Lena Lattwein (86'), while Graz’s sole reply was a strike by Brigitta Pulins (53').

VfL’s early pressure translated into a 4‑0 lead at the break, with Peddemors converting a 25‑metre direct free‑kick and Huth adding a second‑half‑time goal to seal the half‑time score.

Coach Stephan Lerch’s adjustments

Stephan Lerch, Graz’s coach, made several substitutions at the interval, bringing on Sarai Linder, Peddemors and Camilla Küver to give his side a breather. The changes sparked a brief resurgence; Pulins reduced the deficit to 1‑4 after a corner, but the goal had little impact on the overall statics.

In the final third, Wolfsburg’s substitutes Piljic and Lattwein each added a goal, restoring momentum after a relatively subdued second half. Despite a slower tempo, the team remained the clear aggressor throughout.

The 1 307 spectators at the Allerpark venue witnessed what the report described as “one‑way football” directed at the Graz goal. The Austrian side, currently top of their domestic league, appeared out‑matched, especially in the first half where they were “almost body‑less” according to the match description.

Looking ahead, the second leg is scheduled for Wednesday at 18.30 hours in Graz. Should Wolfsburg fail to maintain their advantage, their passage to the round of 16 could be jeopardised, but the first‑leg result gives them a comfortable cushion.