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John Anthony Brooks amid the Lille players
Photo: Darius Simka / regios24 / imago images / regios24
VfL Wolfsburg started the group stage of the Champions League with a draw.
The start at Lille OSC ended 0-0 (0-0).
A victory would have been important for both teams: Group G is considered to be one of the most balanced and supposedly easiest groups.
In addition to Lille and Wolfsburg, FC Sevilla and RB Salzburg are still playing for a place in the round of 16.
The eventful duel between the two teams with four penalties was played in the early evening and ended 1-1.
VfL Wolfsburg traveled with a lot of self-confidence to the French champions OSC Lille at the Stade Pierre Mauroy.
After four games, Mark van Bommel's team is at the top of the Bundesliga table without losing points.
VfL took it easy at the beginning and relied on possession.
Lille striker Burak Yılmaz had the first opportunity of the game, but Koen Casteels steered the ball around the post (14th).
Lille were the better team because they were more compact and more courageous in counterattacking.
The German representative, on the other hand, had a sense of security, and there were no clear offensive ideas.
Wolfsburg didn't shoot a shot on goal in the first half, Lille at least six, but none of them were seriously dangerous.
Millimeter decision in favor of Wolfsburg
After the restart, Lille got off to a perfect start, but Jonathan David's alleged opening goal was denied because the ball was out of touch when attacking.
The home team, driven by the fans, did not allow VfL to rest, Angel Gomes just missed a free finish from 15 meters.
It took almost an hour for Maximilian Philipp to graduate from Wolfsburg for the first time (59th).
Shortly thereafter, VfL was outnumbered.
Anthony Brooks, who had already been cautioned for foul play, deliberately played the ball far away from his own goal in a duel and had to leave the field with a yellow-red (62nd).
VfL was repeatedly exposed to shots on goal: Yilmaz initially had the greatest chance, but headed from four meters straight into the arms of Casteels (68th).
In the sixth minute of stoppage time, Wolfsburg had to survive a shock: After Josuha Guilavogui fouled Jean Onana, Lille was awarded a penalty. Because the contact took place just outside the penalty area, the referee decided on a free kick after a video check. Yilmaz tried force, but his shot was decisively blocked.
