Phantom goal! Referee gives Wolfsburg goal

Serial cup winner VfL Wolfsburg suffered an unexpected setback in its pursuit of champions Bayern Munich right at the start of the new season in the women’s football Bundesliga. The Wolves missed out on a win at the start of the season for the first time since 2016 with a 3:3 (1:2) draw in a wild northern duel with Werder Bremen.

Despite the personnel changes during the summer break, the seven-time champions showed their morale. The hosts twice came from behind and saved a point thanks to national team captain Alexandra Popp (66′). However, Wolfsburg coach Tommy Stroot’s team were denied a win despite having a numerical advantage in the final phase.

Curious: Goal to make it 3:3 counts despite a successful save

The draw was also more than lucky. The goal that made it 3:3 should not have counted because the ball did not cross the goal line. Bremen goalkeeper Livia Peng shot at Popp as she attempted to kick the ball, but was able to clear the rebound off the line.

However, a review was not possible – goal-line technology is still missing in the Women’s Bundesliga. So referee Nadine Westerhoff upheld her incorrect decision and awarded the goal.

VfL started with a draw – for the first time since 2016

The last time Wolfsburg failed to win its opening game of a season was nine years ago. However, after the scoreless draw against SC Sand, the Lower Saxons started each of the following seven seasons with a win.

Bremen faced unexpectedly tough resistance. After VfL took the lead through Sarai Linder (11th minute), the Hanseatics turned the game around before half-time through Tuana Mahmoud (35th minute) and Larissa Mühlhaus (40th minute). Wolfsburg equalized through Lena Lattwein (61st minute) and Bremen took the lead again through an own goal by national goalkeeper Merle Frohms (62nd minute). Popp’s phantom goal to make it 2-3 shortly afterwards prevented Wolfsburg’s first opening defeat in 15 years (2:3 in September 2009 against 1. FFC Frankfurt).

Munich had started its “Operation Title Defence” in keeping with its status. Bayern won the season opening match last Friday against first division returnees 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam 2-0.