Manchester United Women's inaugural Champions League campaign faced a harsh reality check in Germany, succumbing to a 5-2 defeat against the experienced VfL Wolfsburg. The loss, United's first in the competition, was a dramatic affair featuring five first-half goals that left the 3,817 spectators at the Volkswagen Arena breathless.
First-Half Goal Frenzy
The match exploded into life from the outset. Against the run of play, United started brightly and took an early lead. Melvine Malard was the architect, delivering a sublime cross from the left that Fridolina Rolfö expertly headed home against her former club.
The visitors' joy was short-lived, however. A costly error from young goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel, in only her fourth senior appearance, gifted Wolfsburg an immediate equaliser. Her attempted clearance went straight to Ella Peddemors, who made no mistake from close range.
The game then witnessed a whirlwind ten minutes before half-time. Peddemors fired in her second with a powerful low drive from distance, before the electric Lineth Beerensteyn rifled a stunning effort into the top corner. Just as United looked down and out, Malard showed brilliant awareness to hook in a goal with the last kick of the half, giving her team a lifeline.
Wolfsburg's Dominant Second Half
Any hopes of a United comeback were extinguished after the break as Wolfsburg reasserted their control. The German side, boasting far greater European pedigree as two-time champions, put their foot on the gas while United visibly tired.
The impressive Beerensteyn sealed her brace, putting the result beyond doubt, before Vivien Endemann added a fifth in injury time to complete the thrashing. The result highlighted the intense competition at this level and raised questions about the depth of Marc Skinner's squad as they struggled with fatigue.
Consequences and Looking Ahead
The defeat sees Wolfsburg leapfrog United into third place in the group, making the final matchday next month crucial for Skinner's team. Despite the disappointing nature of the loss, United's Champions League journey is far from over, and they will know they still have everything to play for when the tournament resumes.
This match served as a stark lesson in the demands of top-tier European football, but the Red Devils' fate in the competition remains in their own hands.
