Barcelona advanced to the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-finals after overcoming Wolfsburg in the second leg of their quarter-final tie. Holding a three-goal aggregate lead at the start, the three-time UWCL winners managed to withstand Wolfsburg’s challenge and see out the match.
Wolfsburg made four changes to their lineup in an attempt to turn the tie around, but Barcelona’s experience and control proved decisive. Despite Wolfsburg’s efforts, the _Blaugrana_ maintained their composure, securing their place in the next round.
Barcelona wasted no time asserting their dominance, testing Wolfsburg’s defence from the opening moments. A sharp pass to Salma Paralluelo in midfield set up an early chance, but her path was blocked by Wolfsburg’s defence before capitalising.
The breakthrough came in the 10th minute, Paralluelo seized her first real opportunity, slotting the ball into the bottom right corner – her second goal across both legs of the tie. Barcelona continued to control possession, probing Wolfsburg’s defensive line, which held firm despite mounting pressure.
Paralluelo struck again in the 20th minute, once more finding the bottom right corner to make it 2-0 on the night and 6-1 on aggregate. Wolfsburg’s hopes of a comeback were diminishing quickly as Barcelona took complete control. The German side had their moments, but their optimal attacking break was cut short by a straightforward save from Cata Coll.
(Photo by Florencia Tan Jun – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Barcelona maintained dominance in possession, though Wolfsburg’s defence continued to block key attempts. Their efforts were eventually undone in the 41st minute when Esmee Brugts fired a goal past Borbe to widen the gap to 3-0. By half time, Barcelona led 7-1 on aggregate, with their semi-final spot all but secured.
With the Spanish side’s commanding performance, it was clear that the question was not if they would advance, but by how much.
Entering the second half with a commanding 3-0 lead on the night, Barcelona made only one defensive adjustment as Ingrid Engen replaced Irene Paredes. Wolfsburg responded with Ella Peddemors coming on for Marina Hegering, looking to tighten up their backline.
Barcelona continued their dominance, with Mapi León taking an early free-kick in the 50th minute, though it came to nothing. Both teams made substitutions at the hour mark, Wolfsburg aiming to stem the tide. However, just minutes later, Alexia Putellas played a perfect through ball to their newest substitution, Claudia Pina, who slotted it past the keeper to make it 4-0.
Wolfsburg found a response in the 72nd minute when Lineth Beerensteyn, fresh off the bench, made it 4-1. It was little more than a consolation, with Wolfsburg still trailing by six on aggregate. Their brief resurgence was crushed just minutes later as Pina stepped up for a free kick after Putellas was fouled, curling it over the wall and into the net for 5-1.
Barcelona nearly made it six in the 79th minute, but Anneke Borbe managed to push Aitana Bonmatí’s shot wide. Salma Paralluelo was subbed off, denying her a hat-trick opportunity. The final moment of brilliance came in stoppage time when León struck a stunning free-kick, sealing a dominant 6-1 victory. Barcelona’s progression to the semi-finals was never in doubt, as they asserted their dominance from the inception with a clinical performance.
Barcelona’s dominant display secured their spot in the semi-finals, where they will face either Chelsea after their stunning comeback victory over Manchester City. With their attacking firepower, the reigning champions proved why they remain the team to beat.
**BAR:** Coll, Paredes, León, Jana, Paralluelo, Alexia, Patri, Aitana, Pajor, Vicky, Brugts
**WOL:** Borbe, Wilms, Dijkstra, Minge, Lattwein, Popp, Blomqvist, Jónsdóttir, Endemann, Hegering, Linder