UWCL: Ingrid Engen and Jule Brand preview OL Lyonnes’ return clash against VfL Wolfsburg

Last week marked a tight encounter between the two sides who had already met each other in this season’s UWCL campaign. Having lost 3-1 against Lyon in the league phase, Wolfsburg emphasised the importance of communication and tightening up their defence. Their early experience proved vital as the German side came out victorious last week thanks to a deflected Lineth Beerensteyn effort in the 14th minute.

The match saw Lyon dominate with almost 60 percent possession and 19 efforts. However, with just three on target, the record title-holders will hope to improve in the final third in their second leg. Lyon record Champions League title holders Having won the tournament eight times, Lyon will hope to overturn the first leg deficit to reach the semi-finals of the competition where they bowed out in the last campaign.

If they prove successful, they will face either Chelsea or Arsenal. The latter currently has a 3-1 lead over their fellow England rivals. Fans of OL Lyonnes will hope for a rendezvous with Arsenal who knocked them out last season in imperious fashion on their journey to European victory.

Ingrid Engen — who spent three years with Wolfsburg before joining Barcelona and winning two UWCL titles — insists the group must stay connected ahead of their second leg. Embed from Getty Images “For us, it’s very important to stick together from the first minute after a game like that [last week]. It’s important to have focus on what we can do better as a team, and not find excuses.