Madrid Punish Wasteful Wolfsburg to Boost UWCL Hopes
Real Madrid kept their UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign alive with a resilient 2–0 victory over Wolfsburg, despite finishing the match with nine players. The win moves the Spanish side closer to a top-four spot, while Wolfsburg’s hopes of automatic qualification took a major hit.
Both teams entered the fixture needing a win, but Wolfsburg failed to capitalize on possession and numerous chances. Madrid struck first through María Méndez, who converted from a corner after the visitors allowed the Spanish giants too much room to settle.
Even after Maëlle Lakrar received two yellow cards before halftime, Wolfsburg could not break down Madrid’s compact structure. Instead, the Germans looked rushed, predictable and wasteful in the final third.
Linda Caicedo, outstanding throughout, doubled Madrid’s lead with a counter-attack goal in the 67th minute. Wolfsburg pushed forward but could not find a breakthrough, despite 19 shots and several clear opportunities for Alexandra Popp.
Madrid ended the match with nine players after Iris Santiago’s late red card, yet Wolfsburg still failed to respond. The defeat leaves the former European champions with a tough task ahead as they face Chelsea next — a match that could seal their fate.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, have pushed themselves into the UWCL top-four conversation and now await other results to see whether they can avoid a playoff route.
