Sarai Linder scored in the fifth minute of added time as Wolfsburg came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Juventus in the first leg of the Women's Champions League playoffs. The match took place at the AOK Stadion in Wolfsburg, Germany, on February 12, 2026. The result leaves the tie evenly poised ahead of the second leg in Turin.
In a thrilling Women's Champions League playoff encounter, host Wolfsburg mounted a late comeback to secure a 2-2 draw against Juventus on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the AOK Stadion in Wolfsburg, Germany.
Juventus struck first in the sixth minute through Ana Capeta, putting the visitors ahead early. The lead was doubled in the 61st minute when Amalie Vangsgaard found the net, seemingly putting Juventus in control just after the hour mark.
Wolfsburg, however, refused to go down without a fight. In the 82nd minute, Janina Minge converted from the penalty spot to spark a fightback in the final 10 minutes of regulation time. As the clock ticked down, it appeared Juventus would carry a narrow advantage into the second leg, but Sarai Linder had other ideas. In the fifth minute of added time, Linder fired an equalizer into the top corner from the edge of the area, ensuring the scores were level.
Wolfsburg coach Stephan Lerch described the late draw as feeling like a victory: “It feels like a win to get the draw in the last minute.” Teammate Lineth Beerensteyn added, “We were playing well but we didn’t really create many big chances. At the end, we deserved the draw and now next week it’s still open.”
The result keeps the tie all square ahead of next week's second leg in Turin. Linder was awarded player of the match for her decisive contribution.
In a separate playoff match, Manchester United took a strong 3-0 lead over Atletico Madrid with goals from Elisabeth Terland in the third minute, Melvine Malard in the 39th, and Julia Zigiotti Olme later in the game.
