Substitute Daniel van de Donk’s late flick preserved Lyon’s perfect Champions League record this season and continued their winning run against fellow heavyweights Wolfsburg on Tuesday.
Lyon are unbeaten in all competitions since losing to Barcelona in last season’s Champions League final, but look set to host a classic Champions League game for the second time this term.
This match has been the final of the tournament four times, while Lyon have won their last five meetings with Wolfsburg in this clash. A sixth straight win came courtesy of Van de Donk’s 81st-minute winner.
The eight-time European champions, who had already secured top spot in Group A, were forced to be patient, dominating possession but creating little against a Wolfsburg side who were also assured of second place.
That all changed nine minutes into the game when Kadidiyatu Diani swung down the right and took Van de Donk in his low centre. The Netherlands international’s fine finish put Marie-Joel Wedemeyer on the line.
Wolfsburg’s 6-1 win over Roma last week put them on top of their decision in a head-to-head battle between sides jostling for second in the group, but the Italian side bowed high with a 3-0 win over Galatasaray.
The gala ended without a point after Alice Corelli’s early opener from Rosanna Ventriglia and late goals from Elena Linari.
Lyon stay perfect, Roma last high!#UWCL pic.twitter.com/9yQLkVLcBJ
— UEFA Women’s Champions League (@UWCL) December 17, 2024
