After the UEFA Women’s Nations League, and a short break from the Frauen Bundesliga regular season, the VfL Wolfsburg Frauen are back to face RB Leipzig in the regular season. Last week, Wolfsburg came away with a 3-0 win against TSG Hoffenheim in the DFB Pokal Quarterfinals, with goals from Jule Brand, Alexandra Popp, and Vivien Endemann.

Line Up and Pre-Match Notes

Starting Eleven: We have Merle Frohms in the goal. For defenders, Lynn Wilms, Kathrin Hendrich, Dominique Janssen, and Marina Hegering. In the midfield and attack, Lena Oberdorf, Chantal Hagel, Svenja Huth, Jule Brand, Sveindís Jónsdóttir, and Alexandra Popp.

It’s a good line up. I’m a little surprised Endemann isn’t starting. I think having Endemann start alongside Jónsdóttir would be beneficial in the Wolfsburg attack, as both of these players have great pace, and are good when it comes to getting forward in the attack. Endemann, in the past, also connects well with Huth.

On the upside, Brand has been doing well since coming back from the international break. In the matches against France and the Netherlands, Brand performed well with the national team. When it comes to Wolfsburg, while she did well against Hoffenheim, what we’re needing to see from Brand is not just a level of consistency, but also confidence.

As for Wolfsburg’s backline and defense, they were able to hold off Hoffenheim’s attack in their Pokal match, but there were moments where Wolfsburg got lucky when it came to Hoffenheim’s attempts going wide or being off target. Nuria Rábano also made a few dangerous mistakes as well. When it comes to this match against RB Leipzig, Wolfsburg’s defending needs to be cleaner.

Last year, in Wolfsburg’s first meeting with RB Leipzig, Marina Hegering handled the ball in the box, and the referee didn’t award a penalty kick to RB Leipzig, because they thought it came off of Hegering’s knee. The Wolfsburg backline cannot be making mistakes like that in and around their box. Additionally, they need to be quicker in responding to, and shutting down RB Leipzig’s attack. This is also where support from Oberdorf and Hagel needs to come in.

Even though RB Leipzig is currently number ten in the Frauen Bundesliga regular season standings, this team will most likely put up a fight against Wolfsburg. If Wolfsburg wants to come away with a win in this match, they have to take control, play with intensity and urgency, and step up to the challenges posed to them by RB Leipzig.

First Half Notes

VfL Wolfsburg 2-0.

Goal Scorers for Wolfsburg in this Half: Hegering (1), Brand (1).

Hegering would score after a Wolfsburg corner kick. This goal comes with some controversy, as Oberdorf may’ve fouled the RB Leipzig keeper right as Hegering scored. At the same time, Hegering may’ve handled the ball in the box. After Brand failed to convert a low cross from Jónsdóttir, Brand would get a second chance off an identical cross from Popp. Brand would score, making it 2-0 to Wolfsburg in the first half.

Overall, this was a good first-half performance from Wolfsburg. Brand and Jónsdóttir have been great in this half. They’re driving the attack, getting forward, and creating plenty of chances. Brand has been dangerous on the left wing, cutting into the box, and winning corner kicks for Wolfsburg.

The biggest problems for Wolfsburg in this half is, the support in the box, and finishing. You can’t say Wolfsburg aren’t getting forward and creating chances, you can’t say they aren’t pressing, however, there’s nothing to say or do if the team can’t connect in the box, and put away clear chances on goal. Awareness and support in the box from the attacking players is something this team needs to work on. Finishing is an essential thing this Wolfsburg attack needs to improve.

Second Half and Closing Notes

VfL Wolfsburg Wins 4-0.

Goal Scorers for Wolfsburg: Hegering (1), Brand (2), Jónsdóttir (1).

Popp would start the play by playing the ball up for Brand. Brand, fighting off a defender, would cross the ball to Jónsdóttir, who would score Wolfsburg’s third goal of the match. Brand would score her second goal after a quick touch from Xhemaili outside the box, making it 4-0 for Wolfsburg.

This was a great performance from Wolfsburg, especially from Jule Brand, who really shined in this match. Brand was aggressive and tenacious. She was able to get forward, and despite missing a couple of chances here and there, she was still active and determined. It was great to see that fight from Brand in this match, because she’s had a really tough season, especially with the criticism from the VfL Wolfsburg Frauen Sporting Director, Ralf Kellermann.

We’re seeing that quality and talent from Brand again, that quality and talent she definitely has. I’m being presumptuous, but perhaps the international break was good for Brand. Perhaps the international break made her recognize her own potential and confidence. Hopefully, we’ll continue to see Brand’s quality and confidence in Wolfsburg’s upcoming games.

Jónsdóttir was another solid player in this match, able to help drive Wolfsburg’s attack as well, and create plenty of chances for the attack. While there was great drive and press in the attack, Wolfsburg is still needing to touch up on finishing, as well as connecting in box when it comes to services, crosses, set pieces and corner kicks. Besides that, this was a solid and convincing win for the VfL Wolfsburg Frauen.