Wolfsburg overturns two-goal deficit to beat Nürnberg 8-2 as Frankfurt defeats Cologne

Wolfsburg recovery in Nuremberg

VfL Wolfsburg began their Frauen-Bundesliga campaign with an 8-2 away victory against 1. FC Nürnberg at Max-Morlock-Stadion. The fixture marked Wolfsburg's first league match following the departure of Alexandra Popp. Nürnberg entered the match under new head coach Omar Adlani and captain Nastassja Lein, fielding six summer signings after securing Bundesliga survival for the first time in their history. The home side opened the scoring in the 14th minute when Fany Proniez struck a 16-meter shot into the top corner with her left foot. Nürnberg doubled their advantage in the 39th minute after Wolfsburg failed to clear a corner taken by Lein. Keira Bednorz, who moved to Nuremberg from Eintracht Frankfurt in May, converted a loose ball from the ground following a penalty-box duel.

Second-half turnaround

The match shifted early in the second half when Proniez received a second yellow card in the 51st minute for a tackle on Lara Prasnikar. Wolfsburg capitalized on the player advantage, scoring eight goals in a 34-minute span after trailing 2-0 at the interval. Janina Minge scored twice, finding the net in the 56th and 79th minutes. Cora Zicai added two goals within four minutes, scoring in the 61st and 65th minutes after previously missing a first-half chance set up by Svenja Huth. Goalkeeper Stina Johannes and her defense conceded no further opportunities after the dismissal, while Nürnberg goalkeeper Romero was beaten eight times before full-time.

Freigang leads Frankfurt past Cologne

Eintracht Frankfurt opened their domestic season with a 2-0 home victory against 1. FC Köln. Germany international forward Laura Freigang scored both goals in the first half, striking in the 12th minute and adding a second in the 45th minute. The fixture marked the return of defender Kathrin Hendrich to German domestic competition with Cologne. The win served as preparation for Frankfurt's upcoming European fixtures in the third and final qualifying round for the UEFA Women's Champions League group phase. Frankfurt hosts Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday at 19:00, followed by the second leg in Paris on September 2 at 18:30. Freigang had previously scored twice in qualifying against Swedish club Malmö FF.

DFB investigation and broader league results

Freigang remains eligible to play despite an open disciplinary proceeding initiated by the German Football Association (DFB) in early June. The investigation centers on allegations that the 28-year-old forward missed three doping tests within a 12-month period. While the infraction carries a potential two-year suspension, no sporting restrictions have been imposed ahead of a formal ruling. Across the opening weekend of the Frauen-Bundesliga, defending champions Bayern Munich opened the season on Friday with a 4-1 victory away to Union Berlin, establishing an early lead in the standings before Wolfsburg and Frankfurt secured their opening victories on Saturday.