Wolfsburg take control with Barcelona scalp
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Article summary
VfL Wolfsburg 3-0 FC Barcelona
Goals from Nadine Kessler, Martina Müller and Zsanett Jakabfi earned the holders a commanding quarter-final first-leg advantage.
Article top media content
Article body
VfL Wolfsburg produced a clinical display to see off FC Barcelona 3-0 and edge closer to a place in the UEFA Women's Champions League semi-finals.
The result of this last-eight opener was seldom in doubt from the moment Nadine Kessler unlocked the visiting defence after 34 minutes. Barcelona – appearing in their first European quarter-final – fell further behind when Martina Müller showed her predatory instincts, before Zsanett Jakabfi completed the formalities.
The holders took an early grip on proceedings, opening the scoring through Kessler, who finished from close range after taking receipt of Lina Magull's pass. The Spanish side eventually found their feet, however, and came close to levelling when midfielder Virginia Torrecilla struck the frame of the goal.
Having ridden their luck, Wolfsburg went through the gears, striker Müller registering her 49th goal in this competition by heading in from close range on 52 minutes. Jakabfi added a third shortly after, leaving Ralf Kellermann's side on the brink of a semi-final showdown with 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam.