Women’s Champions League: Wolfsburg vs Barcelona Preview
Defending champions Barcelona face Wolfsburg in the first leg of their UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final clash.
Barcelona have been the dominant force in European women’s football this decade, lifting the UWCL trophy three times in the last four seasons. However, this campaign has shown glimpses of vulnerability. Pere Romeu’s side suffered a defeat to Manchester City in the group stage and were stunned by Levante in Liga F last month. Despite these setbacks, Barcelona remain at the top of the Spanish league, seven points clear of Real Madrid, and cruised through Group D with a superior goal difference.
Wolfsburg, on the other hand, have struggled to keep pace with Bayern Munich domestically and are currently third in the Frauen-Bundesliga. Their progression to the quarter-finals was secured by a superior goal difference, edging out Roma in the group stage. The German side will need to be at their best to challenge a Barcelona team that has consistently delivered on the big stage.
Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
(To be added)
Current Form (All Competitions)
| Wolfsburg | Barcelona |
|---|---|
| Bayern Munich 3-1 Wolfsburg | Tenerife 0-2 Barcelona |
| RB Leipzig 0-2 Wolfsburg | Barcelona 3-1 Real Madrid |
| Wolfsburg 6-1 Eintracht Frankfurt | Barcelona 4-1 Valencia |
| Hoffenheim 1-0 Wolfsburg | Real Madrid 0-5 Barcelona |
| Koln 0-0 Wolfsburg | Eibar 1-8 Barcelona |
How to Watch
| Country | TV Channel/Live Stream |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | discovery+, discovery+ App, DAZN UK, TNT Sports 2 |
| United States | DAZN USA |
| Canada | DAZN Canada |
Key Players
Wolfsburg:
Alexandra Popp is the standout threat for Wolfsburg. The German international scored four goals in the group stage and is clinical in front of goal. Popp is also Germany’s third-highest goalscorer with 67 international strikes.
However, Wolfsburg will be without Luca Papp due to injury, while defender Camilla Kuver and goalkeeper Merle Frohms are also unlikely to feature.
Predicted Wolfsburg Lineup (3-4-2-1):
Borbe; Dijkstra, Minge, Linder; Wilms, Huth, Lattwein, Brand; Endemann, Beerensteyn; Popp.
Barcelona:
Pere Romeu rested several key players in Barca’s recent win over Tenerife, meaning stars like Ona Batlle, Aitana Bonmati, and Caroline Graham Hansen are expected to return for this match.
Lioness Ellie Roebuck is a doubt with a leg injury, while Kika Nazareth and Claudia Pina are also likely to miss out due to ankle and muscle issues, respectively.
Barcelona’s Ewa Pajor faces her former club after scoring five goals in the group stage, making her one of the competition’s top scorers.
Predicted Barcelona Lineup (4-3-3):
Coll; Batlle, Engen, Leon, Brugts; Bonmati, Guijarro, Putellas; Graham Hansen, Paralluelo, Pajor.
Prediction
Barcelona appear to have rediscovered their best form with recent victories over Real Madrid. Despite Wolfsburg’s resilience, particularly in their performances against Lyon, Barcelona’s superior quality and depth should see them take control of the tie.
Prediction: Wolfsburg 1-3 Barcelona
Stay updated with the latest Women’s Champions League news, previews, and ratings here!
