Jena, May 4, 2026. The women of FC Carl Zeiss Jena narrowly missed a sensation in the semi-final of the DFB-Pokal. Against record cup winners VfL Wolfsburg, the team lost 4-5 in a penalty shootout after a nerve-wracking battle.
- Competition: Semi-final, Women’s DFB-Pokal
- Match: FC Carl Zeiss Jena vs. VfL Wolfsburg
- Final Score: 4-5 after penalty shootout (0-0 after extra time)
- Venue: Jena
Defensive Bulwark Over 120 Minutes
As the current bottom team in the Women’s Bundesliga, FC Carl Zeiss Jena entered the match as clear underdogs against the favored Wolfsburg team led by coach Stephan Lerch. However, the Thuringian side defended passionately throughout regular time and the subsequent extra time, conceding no goals. The Wolfsburg players were clearly affected by their grueling Champions League exit against Olympique Lyon during the week, finding no way through the deep-sitting Jena defense for over two hours.
Drama from the Spot
The decision on who would advance to the final ultimately had to be made from the penalty spot. Here, a cup sensation was in the air: after Wolfsburg’s Lineth Beerensteyn missed her attempt, Jena caught a glimpse of an unexpected ticket to the final. However, the “Wölfinnen” could ultimately rely on their goalkeeper Stina Johannes. She saved the last two shots from the brave underdogs – including the decisive attempt by 18-year-old Fiona Gaißer – thus saving the favorites from embarrassment at the last moment.
Background: Women’s Football in Paradies
Women’s football in Jena looks back on a history rich in tradition, which was long shaped by FF USV Jena before the playing rights were transferred to FC Carl Zeiss Jena. Matches are mostly held at the traditional Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld near the Saale. Despite the enormous sporting challenges in league play, reaching the DFB-Pokal semi-final impressively demonstrated the quality of the Thuringian defense. The opponent in the upcoming final will be determined between defending champions FC Bayern München and SGS Essen.
Source:
Wolfsburg women tremble into the DFB-Pokal final after penalty drama against Carl Zeiss Jena
Transparency Note: This article was automatically created, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.