Pre-Match Notes: As it stands, Wolfsburg and Paris FC are both level at 3-3 on aggregate, meaning Wolfsburg has to win this match if they want to remain in the Champions League. The truth of the matter is Wolfsburg could very well be knocked out of the Champions League. As I pointed out in the first leg, Paris FC has already eliminated Arsenal, and Wolfsburg could be next on the chopping block if they don’t take this match seriously.

There needs to be more urgency from the Wolfsburg attack, from the team in general. There needs to be better control in the midfield and better connection between the midfield and attacking players. In the first leg, I pointed out that I wanted to see more from the Wolfsburg attack. More services, more crosses, more attempts on goal.

In this second leg, there needs to be more. In Wolfsburg’s last match against RB Leipzig, the English announcer was asking something along the lines of, “Where is this ruthlessness Wolfsburg is known for?” This match, is where that ruthlessness from Wolfsburg needs to be on display.

My biggest concern for Wolfsburg in this match still lies with their backline and defense. I wasn’t impressed with Wolfsburg’s defending in the first leg because they conceded three goals. I’ve said many times in my past videos and articles, it doesn’t matter how many goals Wolfsburg scores, if they can’t maintain their lead, if the backline can’t defend, it’s all for naught.

There needs to be better awareness, urgency, and discipline from the defenders. At the same time, they need to be quicker in responding to Paris FC’s transitions and counterattacks. If the defenders can’t keep up with Paris FC’s runners, then Paris FC is going to get in the box and score. Merle Frohms is still out with a concussion, and Lisa Schmitz isn’t a bad replacement at all. She had some very important saves in Wolfsburg’s match against RB Leipzig. However, much like Merle Frohms, Schmitz is no match for a striker, forward, or attacking midfielder coming right at her and the goal. The backline needs to step up and give her better support in this match and moving forward.

This match could go either way, but the reality is, only one team will be moving on at the end of the day.

Line Up Notes:

Starting Eleven: 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1. We have Lisa Schmitz in the goal. For defenders, Lynn Wilms, Kathy Hendrich, Dominique Janssen, and Felicitas Rauch. In the midfield and attack: Lena Oberdorf, Lena Lattwein, Svenja Huth, Vivien Endemann, Alexandra Popp, and Ewa Pajor.

These players can definitely get the job done. There is great attacking and goal-scoring potential here, but that connection in the attack is going to be important. Again, we need to see more chances being created. More services and crosses being created for the attack. We need to see more press and ruthlessness from the attack.

When it comes to the backline and defense, hopefully they’ll be able to keep things together in this match. On top of scoring goals, this team has to defend if they want any chance of continuing their Champions League run. This defense and backline can either make or break Wolfsburg in this match and moving forward. It’s something that needs more focus and development. Hopefully, Wolfsburg can come away with the win in this match, but it’s going to come down to how this team decides to play.

First Half Notes:

Paris FC 0-2.

The good thing about this half is probably Lisa Schmitz and Wolfsburg’s backline and defending. Schmitz’s penalty save was really good, and besides that one goal, that she wouldn’t have been able to save anyway, she’s had some good saves so far in this half. Wolfsburg’s backline and defense are doing pretty well. Clearances have been quick, but they need to pay more attention to gaps and open spaces. You can’t crowd one side and leave the other completely open.

As for Wolfsburg’s attack, it’s virtually non-existent. There’s no control in the midfield, and the attack isn’t getting forward. Not enough viable chances are being created. These long passes up to Pajor aren’t working because Paris FC is reading them and either intercepting them, or kicking them back to their goalkeeper. There needs to be more focus on controlling the midfield and working the ball up the midfield instead of trying to go long and wide. At the same time, Wolfsburg has to do better responding to Paris’s transitions and counterattacks. Again, this goes back to Wolfsburg needing to win back control in the midfield and having better possession in the midfield and attack.

I would like to think Wolfsburg will be able to come back like they so often do, but if they go into the second half, playing like they did in the first, then there’s no chance at all for Wolfsburg to come back. Something has to change.

Second Half/Closing Notes:

Paris FC wins 0-2.

Honestly, I think I saw this coming just from how Wolfsburg has been playing in their recent matches. While the second half seemed somewhat better than the first, what was missing in the first half and going into the second half, was that drive and urgency in the attack. Wolfsburg couldn’t get adjusted in the first half. Going into the second half, there wasn’t enough change from the first half in order for Wolfsburg to be an attacking threat. What was also missing was that control and possession in the midfield. While it got better in the second half, there just appeared to be too many bad turnovers and giveaways and not enough control.

However, Jule Brand coming on late in the second half was a good attacking change from Endemann. Brand was able to get open, get forward, and create some good chances and services for the attack. Regrettably, Wolfsburg were unable to convert any of them.

Unfortunately, this means VfL Wolfsburg Frauen are officially out of the Champions League this season. This was not the result this team wanted. It’s a very sad and disappointing blow to Wolfsburg, but this is still a strong team with many talented players, who will come together as a team, figure out what they need to do to improve and get better, and will make the most of their season.

What Happens Now?

As it stands, Wolfsburg is currently number one in the Frauen Bundesliga standings. If Wolfsburg can maintain their number one position by the end of the regular season, they’ll be able to make it to the Champions League without qualification next season. If they make it to the second or third place spot, they will have another chance to qualify for the Champions League next season.