Brand and Engen: Lyon's New Signings Eye Historic UWCL Comeback Against Wolfsburg
After establishing themselves at top European women's football clubs, German midfielder Jule Brand and Norwegian defender Ingrid Engen made a high-profile move to Olympique Lyonnais in the summer of 2025. Lyonnais, the most decorated club in UEFA Women's Champions League history, currently sits unbeaten at the top of the French Première Ligue. However, the club and its star duo now face their toughest challenge of the European season: overturning a 0-1 deficit against Wolfsburg in the quarterfinal second leg at Groupama Stadium in Lyon.
Dealing with Pressure and Ambition at Lyon
In an exclusive interaction, Brand and Engen opened up about their debut season with the French giants and the mindset required for a comprehensive victory over their former club and German rivals. "I think it's not normal to win every game in the season. You can have a loss, and we have got that now," Engen reflected. "Everything is about how we deal with it and react. We are calm and we know the changes we need to make on the pitch and do things a little bit better. There’ll always be pressure playing for a club like Lyon and it’s something we are aware of and live with every day."
Brand echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the club's winning culture. "I think it's very special to play in Lyon because from the beginning, you could see everyone has the ambition to win a lot of trophies, rather every possible trophy. So, we try to adapt in every training and with the same aim." She added, "I feel in every training that everyone has the ambition to win the Champions League every season, and everyone works hard towards that dream. We were all disappointed after the first leg. But we also know it’s just half-time and will give everything in the next game against Wolfsburg."
Tactical Insights and Coaching Influence
Discussing the tactical approach to facing Wolfsburg's high line, Engen provided key insights. "I think Wolfsburg are a very direct team. We knew that they would go for the transitions. It’s not only about the high line but about everything we do to win back the ball as fast as possible. That’s how we work at the back, to take the right positions and avoid these transitions. This is something we look to improve upon, and the line needs to be ready for these threats."
Under Spanish coach Jonatan Giráldez, the team has embraced a winning mentality. Engen praised his influence: "The coach has a great winning mentality. No matter what game it is, he shows the same passion, and we really want to be perfect in everything we do. So, we’re ready for this level of football, and his mentality and ways to push us are helping us throughout the season."
Focus on the Present and Home Advantage
Looking ahead to potential semifinal opponents like Chelsea or Arsenal, Brand emphasized a step-by-step approach. "I think we all saw the draw results, but we look at things one step at a time. We have an important game on Thursday, that’s our focus. We must beat Wolfsburg, and then we can move our focus to what the next step is."
Playing the crucial second leg at home provides a significant boost. Engen highlighted the importance of fan support: "Obviously, I have to say that having our crowd there is great and so the build-up from the club around this game has been very good. So, I think there’s a lot to look forward to. And to have that atmosphere is going to help us."
As Lyon prepares for this pivotal match, the combination of new talent, tactical readiness, and home support sets the stage for a thrilling encounter in the quest for a ninth UEFA Women's Champions League title.
