VfL Wolfsburg Women Triumph in Season Opener Against 1. FC Köln

In an exhilarating start to the 2026 Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga season, VfL Wolfsburg's women's team demonstrated resilience and adaptability as they secured a 2-1 victory over 1. FC Köln. The match, played at the AOK Stadium in front of 2,343 spectators, was marked by a tale of two halves, illustrating the unpredictable nature of football.

The first half saw Wolfsburg take an early lead, thanks to a goal from Lieke Martens. However, their performance was marred by a lack of precision and control. Coach Stephan Lerch candidly stated, "The first half was not convincing. Some patterns of play didn’t work as planned, and the attacks lacked precision. 1. FC Köln defended very well and put us under constant pressure. Despite the early lead, the right solutions to control the game were missing." This assessment highlights the importance of adaptability and the need to remain vigilant against well-organized defenses.

As the game progressed into the second half, Wolfsburg's strategy evolved. The team improved significantly with better ball movement and more effective chance conversion. Giulia Gwinn provided a crucial assist in the 68th minute, setting up Fenna Beerensteyn to score the winning goal. The coach praised this turnaround, noting, "In the second half, performance improved significantly. Mistakes were reduced, the ball was moved more often into the opposition half, and chances were taken more effectively. That's why I'm very happy we were able to secure this tough game in the end. It was a well-deserved, hard-fought win."

The match also showcased individual moments of brilliance and tactical acumen. Marina Hegering played a significant role in the early stages, while debutant Linnea Saelen made her mark during stoppage time. Meanwhile, Sara Doorsoun Kleinherne's tactical foul highlighted the strategic depth within the team. These actions underline the collective effort required to achieve success in competitive football.

This victory not only marks a promising start to the year for Wolfsburg but also serves as a foundation for building momentum in the league. By overcoming the first-half struggles and capitalizing on opportunities, Wolfsburg demonstrated their potential to be formidable contenders in the Frauen-Bundesliga this season.