Caicedo Seals Madrid's Champions League Statement Win
Key Takeaways
- Real Madrid defeated VfL Wolfsburg 2-0 in commanding Champions League display
- María Méndez opened scoring with 19th-minute header from corner kick
- Linda Caicedo's counter-attack goal sealed victory in dramatic second half
- Madrid climbed to fifth place despite being outshot by German visitors
Linda Caicedo delivered the knockout punch that sent the Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium into raptures, her clinical counter-attacking finish sealing Real Madrid's emphatic 2-0 victory over VfL Wolfsburg in a pulsating Champions League encounter. The Colombian starlet's 67th-minute strike capped a masterful defensive display that propelled Madrid to fifth place in the group standings, proving they belong among Europe's elite.
The home crowd barely had time to settle into their seats before María Méndez gave them reason to celebrate. The defender rose majestically at the near post in the 19th minute, powering Eva Navarro's corner delivery into the bottom right corner with a thumping header that left Stina Johannes helpless. The early breakthrough set the tone for a night where Madrid's clinical edge would prove decisive against their German opponents.
Caicedo's moment of magic arrived during a breathtaking counter-attack that showcased Madrid's devastating pace on the break. Caroline Weir threaded a perfectly weighted through ball into the Colombian's path, and the young forward made no mistake, drilling her right-footed effort straight down the middle to double the advantage and effectively end Wolfsburg's resistance.
Despite controlling 63.8% of possession and registering 19 shots to Madrid's 11, Wolfsburg found themselves repeatedly frustrated by a resolute defensive performance anchored by goalkeeper Misa. The Madrid shot-stopper produced crucial saves from Cora Zicai in the dying minutes, while Alexandra Popp's physical presence in the box was expertly nullified by Rocío Gálvez and her defensive partners.
The turning point came during those frantic final exchanges when Iris Ashley received a red card after a VAR review in the 93rd minute, but by then Madrid had already weathered Wolfsburg's storm. The German side's late surge, featuring multiple corners and blocked efforts from Lena Lattwein, only served to highlight their wasteful finishing on a night when precision mattered most.
Madrid now travel to face Granada on December 13, seeking to maintain this momentum in domestic competition, while VfL Wolfsburg will look to bounce back when they host Chelsea on December 17 in what promises to be a crucial Champions League fixture for both their European ambitions.