VfL Wolfsburg Women Crush Sturm Graz 6-1 in Europa Cup Qualifier

Dominant First Half Sets Up Comfortable Lead

Playing in front of 1,307 supporters at the Stadion im Allerpark, the German side established overwhelming control from the opening whistle. According to match accounts, Wolfsburg dominated possession during the first 45 minutes, surging to a 4-0 halftime advantage against an overmatched Austrian Bundesliga leader. Ella Peddemors opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a direct free kick from 25 meters out. Lara Prasnikar doubled the lead just three minutes later, poking in a cross from Peddemors. Smilla Vallotto added a third with a powerful strike in the 30th minute, before team captain Svenja Huth capitalized on a defensive miscue in the 37th minute to round out the first-half goalscoring.

Second-Half Response and Closing Goals

Following the break, Wolfsburg head coach Stephan Lerch made multiple substitutions, withdrawing Sarai Linder, Peddemors, and Camilla Küver to grant his starters rest. Graz capitalized on the altered dynamic and a more aggressive stance, pulling a goal back in the 53rd minute when top striker Brigitta Pulins scored following a corner kick. Although the visitors stabilized their performance after halftime, Wolfsburg reasserted control in the closing stages. Katharina Piljic struck from the edge of the penalty area in the 83rd minute, and Lena Lattwein tapped in a late assist from Huth in the 86th minute to seal the 6-1 final scoreline.

Managerial Reaction and Outlook

Reflecting on the match, coach Stephan Lerch noted in an interview with NDR that his squad maintained high control and dominance while consistently generating scoring opportunities. With a five-goal cushion, Wolfsburg heads into the return leg scheduled for next Wednesday at 18:30 local time at the Stadion Graz-Liebenau in a commanding position to advance in the newly formatted European competition.