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Double goal scorer Alexandra Popp
Photo: Mirko Kappes / imago images / foto2press
A brace from Alexandra Popp gave the footballers of VfL Wolfsburg a 2-0 (1-0) victory in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals against Lilleström SK.
Her first goal came in the second minute - and it was a curious one: A flank from the right, fended off by the goalkeeper, danced over the top edge of the crossbar before falling down the second post, where Popp had an easy game from close range.
Stephan Lerch's team made little of their playful superiority, but Popp's artistic action stood out: Their overhead kick after Huth's header passed over on the left.
Shortly before the break, Katarzyna Kiedrzynek parried strongly and prevented a possibly important away goal for Lilleström.
The club has long been the top address in Norwegian women's football, but had to settle for fifth place in the past calendar year season.
In the 59th minute Popp was right again when she used a rebound from Ida Norström.
And the second half also ended with a great chance for the guests.
Emilie Haavi made her way through on the left, but the captain's shot just missed the far corner.
VfL striker Ewa Pajor celebrated her comeback.
After her knee operation, the Pole played for the first time since the lost Champions League final against Olympique Lyon last August, and was substituted on.
As in previous years, the Wolfsburg women are among the favored teams for the title.
Popp and Co. even have a chance of a triple this season: They are sovereign leaders in the league, are almost in the quarter-finals in the DFB Cup and the Champions League.
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