Lyon beat Wolfsburg to reach Women's Champions League semis

LYON, France – Eight-time champions Olympique Lyon stormed into the Women’s Champions League semi-finals on Thursday night, overpowering VfL Wolfsburg 4-0 after extra-time to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit and progress 4-1 on aggregate.

The French side, chasing their first title since 2022, entered the match needing a goal after Dutch striker Lineth Beerensteyn had given the Germans a narrow lead in last week’s opening leg. Lyon wasted little time setting the tone, as 18-year-old United States midfielder Lily Yohannes opened the scoring in the 16th minute, her low drive taking a deflection before nestling inside the far post.

Despite Lyon’s relentless pressure, Wolfsburg’s defence, marshalled by goalkeeper Stina Johannes, held firm through 90 minutes. Johannes produced a fingertip save to deny Melchie Dumornay in stoppage time, and Lyon keeper Christiane Endler answered with a key stop from Janou Levels after 78 minutes to keep the tie level on the night.

With the contest deadlocked 1-1 on aggregate, extra-time proved one-way traffic. Substitutes turned the tide: forwards Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Dumornay, introduced in the 69th minute, combined to devastating effect. Katoto saw a goal ruled out for offside, but Dumornay headed home from Selma Bachat’s corner in the 102nd minute after a VAR check. Five minutes later, Damaris Egurrola doubled the lead, powering in another Bachat delivery.

As Wolfsburg pushed forward desperately, Tabitha Chawinga – the third of Lyon’s 69th-minute changes – sealed the result, racing clear on the counter to slot home a fourth with 119 minutes played.

“We know what these Lyon versus Wolfsburg matches are like — always very competitive,” Lyon captain Wendie Renard told reporters. “They made things very difficult for us, with different tactical approaches, but I think we deserved it in the end.”

The victory books Lyon a semi-final meeting with reigning champions Arsenal, who edged Chelsea 3-2 on aggregate despite a 1-0 loss at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

Earlier on Thursday, Barcelona cruised into the last four, hammering Real Madrid 6-0 at a rebuilt Camp Nou to complete a 12-2 aggregate rout. Alexia Putellas celebrated her 500th club appearance with a goal, while Caroline Graham Hansen struck twice as the Catalan giants set up a tie with Bayern Munich.

Lyon now turn their attention to the challenge of Arsenal, knowing a place in the final and the prospect of a ninth European crown are within reach.