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

Lyon, France – Eight-time European champions OL Lyonnes step into a do-or-die second leg on Thursday knowing a single goal may not be enough to rescue their quarter-final against VfL Wolfsburg, yet midfield lynchpin Ingrid Engen and German winger Jule Brand insist the tie is far from over.

“We are 1-0 down, but we kept the deficit small and now we have ninety minutes in front of our own fans,” Engen told reporters at Groupama Stadium. “Everything is still to play for.”

Last week’s meeting in Lower Saxony was settled by a 14th-minute deflection off Lineth Beerensteyn, the Dutch forward punishing a rare Lyon lapse. Despite enjoying 60 percent possession and firing 19 shots, Sonia Bompastor’s side managed only three efforts on target—an inefficiency Engen says must change.

“We didn’t reach our best level,” the Norwegian admitted. “The focus this week has been on staying connected and reacting quickly when we lose the ball. Wolfsburg want direct transitions; we have to stop those triggers.”

Engen’s familiarity with the opposition runs deep. She spent three seasons in Wolfsburg green before lifting two UWCL trophies with Barcelona, while Brand, 23, left the German club last summer chasing the one medal that has eluded her since losing the 2022-23 final to Barça despite a two-goal first-leg lead.

“I feel every day in training that this club lives to win the Champions League,” Brand said. “Whether I start or come off the bench, I’m learning from the best. That environment pushes you toward the dream.”

Rotation has been part of the learning curve: Brand has started only half of Lyon’s league matches this season yet is on course to equal last year’s goal-and-assist tally. Engen, converted to a ball-playing defender under former Barcelona boss Jonatan Giráldez, now sees the game “in front of me” and believes the tactical tweak suits Lyon’s possession-heavy approach.

Wolfsburg’s game plan is unlikely to deviate. Janou Levels underlined the need to “be aggressive” and deny Lyon’s midfield time to breathe, while Beerensteyn’s pace in behind remains a constant threat. Engen expects more clipped balls over the top and says Lyon’s high line is only one piece of a broader counter-press.

Off the pitch, the club has drummed up a fervent atmosphere. Posters across the city trumpet the must-win night, and season-ticket holders have been urged to bring colour and noise. “That backing can be the extra player,” Engen said. “We fought to finish top of the group so we could have this tie at home. Now we have to reward the crowd.”

Progress would pitch Lyon into a semi-final against either Chelsea or Arsenal—the latter currently leads their English rivals 3-1 and were the side that ended Lyon’s run at the last-four stage en route to lifting the trophy last May. A potential reunion with the Gunners adds another layer of motivation.

For now, the task is simpler: score, keep the back door shut, and extend a dynasty that has already seen eight UWCL titles. Engen, Brand and the rest of the Lyon squad trained on Wednesday evening with belief, not desperation, the overriding mood.

“We can’t lose confidence in everything we’ve built because of one defeat,” Engen stressed. “Thursday is about reacting together. If we do that, we can still write our story this season.”

Kick-off at Groupama Stadium is set for 21:00 local time, with the winner advancing to the semi-finals. Viewers can watch every match of the UEFA Women’s Champions League live on Disney+ as part of existing subscriptions.