Klara Bühl’s late strike secures a 1–0 win for Germany in Düsseldorf as the first leg of the UEFA Women’s Nations League semifinal sets the stage for a tense return fixture in France.
Match Overview
Germany claimed a narrow 1–0 victory over France in the first leg of the UEFA Women’s Nations League semifinal. Playing at home in Düsseldorf, the Germans executed a disciplined tactical plan, blending aggressive pressing with swift transitions. France controlled possession for stretches but struggled to penetrate Germany’s compact defensive lines. The breakthrough came in the 79th minute, when Klara Bühl curled a low shot past Pauline Peyraud-Magnin after a clever assist from Sjoeke Nüsken. The goal capped a resilient performance and gives Germany a slender lead heading into the second leg in Caen on October 28, 2025.
First Half
Germany started with intensity, pressing high and forcing early saves from Peyraud-Magnin. France responded with pace on the wings, particularly through Kadidiatou Diani and Delphine Cascarino, but lacked precision in the final third. Germany started brightly, with Nicole Anyomi and Sjoeke Nüsken testing Pauline Peyraud-Magnin inside the opening five minutes. In the 21st minute, Delphine Cascarino came close for France, her curling effort tipped wide by Stina Johannes. Just before the break, Kadidiatou Diani narrowly missed the target after a teasing cross from Selma Bacha. Despite chances at both ends, the first half ended goalless.
Second Half
France introduced Malard and Mateo to inject pace, but Germany’s midfield anchored by Elisa Senß and Nüsken controlled the tempo. The decisive moment came when Bühl found space outside the box and delivered a stunning finish. Germany absorbed late pressure, with Stina Johannes making key saves and Kathrin Hendrich marshalling the back line.
Player of the Match
Klara Bühl (Germany) Scored the match-winner and was a constant threat down the left flank.
Tactical Insights
Germany’s 4-3-3 morphed into a 4-2-3-1 defensively, with wingers tracking back and Senß shielding the back line. Their pressing targeted France’s full-backs, disrupting buildup and forcing turnovers. France’s midfield trio Geyoro, Jean-François, and Baltimore struggled to progress the ball under pressure, limiting their attacking flow.
Match Statitsics
| Stats | Germany | France |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 48% | 52% |
| Shots (on target) | 19 (7) | 10 (3) |
| Passes (Accurate) | 375 (288) | 410 (325) |
| Corners | 3 | 2 |
| Fouls | 14 | 17 |
| Big Chances | 7 | 1 |
| Saves | 3 | 6 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 2 |
Germany’s first-leg victory over France puts them one step closer to the UEFA Women’s Nations League Final. Klara Bühl’s late strike and a resolute team performance signal a resurgence for the German side, who are blending tactical discipline with individual brilliance under their new setup.
Franziska Kett’s consistency and Stina Johannes’ reliability in goal have become pillars of this campaign. With the second leg in Caen still to come, Germany hold a slender advantage but must remain sharp to finish the job. For France, it’s frustration on the road. Despite controlling possession and creating chances, they lacked the cutting edge to break through. Hervé Renard’s squad will need to regroup quickly and find answers in the return leg to keep their Nations League hopes alive.
Germany’s tactical maturity and individual brilliance earned them a crucial first-leg win in Düsseldorf. From Johannes’ reflex saves to Bühl’s decisive strike, this was a performance that showcased their evolution and hunger for silverware. As they prepare for the second leg in Caen, confidence is high but the job isn’t done. If they can replicate their defensive resilience and attacking sharpness, Germany could book their ticket to the Final and reaffirm their place among Europe’s elite.
Next Fixture
Second Leg: France vs Germany October 28, 2025, at Stade Michel d’Ornano
Final (if qualified): November 28, 2025, depending on aggregate result
