UWCL: Ingrid Engen and Jule Brand Preview OL Lyon’s Showdown with Wolfsburg

OL Lyon return home this Thursday aiming to overturn a 1-0 quarter-final deficit against VFL Wolfsburg in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. The first leg ended 1-0 to Wolfsburg after a deflected Lineth Beerensteyn effort in the 14th minute.

Match context and statistics

Lyon remain the competition’s record winners with eight titles. They dominated the first leg in many metrics. The visitors held the narrow lead despite Lyon enjoying about 60 percent possession and making 19 attempts, with only three on target.

The second leg takes place at the Groupama Stadium. A home crowd and strong build-up from the club are expected to be key factors for Lyon.

Player perspectives

In media sessions, Ingrid Engen and Jule Brand spoke about the challenge ahead. Engen urged unity and focus, saying the team must address weaknesses without losing confidence.

Brand, who left Wolfsburg last summer, stressed her ambition to win the Champions League. She acknowledged the learning curve at Lyon and said she embraces both starts and substitute appearances to help the team.

Background on the players

Engen is a 27-year-old Norwegian and a versatile defensive presence. She spent three years with Wolfsburg before moving on to Barcelona, where she won two Champions League titles.

Brand is 23 and joined Lyon after three seasons in Wolfsburg colours. She played almost every league game last season but has seen more rotation this campaign. Despite that, her combined goals and assists have nearly matched last season’s totals.

Tactical focus

Wolfsburg relied on direct play and long balls to exploit Lineth Beerensteyn’s pace in the first leg. Lyon must manage the German side’s transitions and limit space for quick forwards.

Engen highlighted the importance of recovering possession quickly and using Lyon’s midfield strengths. Janou Levels also emphasised aggressive defending and denying Lyon time on the ball during her pre-match comments.

Road ahead

Lyon know there is still everything to play for with only a one-goal deficit. If they progress, they will face either Chelsea or Arsenal in the semi-finals. Arsenal currently lead their tie 3-1.

All UEFA Women’s Champions League matches are available live to Disney+ subscribers. Filmogaz.com will follow the tie closely and provide updates after the second leg.

Ingrid Engen and Jule Brand Preview OL Lyon’s Showdown with Wolfsburg