bundesliga

Wolfsburg secure vital win over Union Berlin as Marie-Louise Eta makes coaching history

18.04.2026

Wolfsburg earned a crucial 2-1 victory over Union Berlin thanks to spectacular goals from Patrick Wimmer and Dženan Pejčinović, despite Oliver Burke's late strike for the hosts.

Union Berlin 1-2 Wolfsburg

Goals: 0-1 Wimmer 11’ (assist: Mæhle), 0-2 Pejčinović 46’ (assist: Eriksen), 1-2 Burke 85’ (assist: Ilić)

History was made at the Alten Försterei as Marie-Louise Eta became the first female head coach in Bundesliga history, taking over at Union Berlin following Steffen Baumgart's dismissal after a run of just two wins in 14 league matches.

The 34-year-old faced a formidable challenge in her debut, coming up against experienced Dieter Hecking, the oldest coach in the Bundesliga at 61.

Wolfsburg arrived in desperate need of points, winless in 12 matches and fighting to maintain their 29-year top-flight status, having never been relegated since promotion in 1997.

A historic moment in Bundesliga history as Marie-Louise Eta (left) becomes the first female head coach, greeting Wolfsburg's Dieter Hecking before kickoff. - XX / DFL/Getty Images/Joern Pollex

Wimmer wonder strike gives Wolfsburg early advantage

Wolfsburg shocked the home crowd in the 11th minute with a moment of individual brilliance from Wimmer. The Austrian midfielder found space centrally and unleashed a spectacular outside-of-the-boot strike from 23 metres that flew into the top corner beyond Frederik Rønnow.

Union responded well to falling behind, with Ilyas Ansah forcing a save from Kamil Grabara before Danilho Doekhi headed narrowly over. Ansah missed another golden opportunity in the 20th minute, heading wide from close range after excellent work from captain Christopher Trimmel.

The decisive moment: Wimmer strikes an unstoppable shot from outside the box to give Wolfsburg the lead against Union Berlin. - ODD ANDERSEN

Pejčinović doubles lead as Union hit woodwork

If conceding early in the first half was a blow for Union, what happened just 29 seconds after the restart was devastating. Pejčinović received the ball from Christian Eriksen and unleashed another spectacular long-range effort that nestled in the corner to make it 2-0.

Union refused to surrender and bombarded the Wolfsburg goal, with Andrej Ilić heading against the post in the 57th minute. Eta made tactical changes, introducing Tim Skarke and Derrick Köhn, but Union's pressure only told in the 86th minute when Oliver Burke fired home from the edge of the box after good work from Ilić.

Pejčinović celebrates after his stunning strike just 29 seconds into the second half doubled Wolfsburg's advantage at the Alten Försterei. - IMAGO/Uwe Koch

Grabara heroics secure vital Wolfsburg victory

Union threw everything forward in search of an equaliser as the match reached its conclusion. Doekhi came agonisingly close in stoppage time, but his effort from six yards out was brilliantly saved by Grabara with an outstretched foot.

The Polish goalkeeper's heroics ensured Wolfsburg claimed their first win in 13 matches, earning three crucial points in their fight against relegation. For Union and Eta, it was a disappointing outcome despite creating enough chances to take something from the game, with the hosts recording an xG of 2.92 compared to Wolfsburg's 0.19, highlighting the clinical finishing of the visitors.

Burke celebrates after scoring Union Berlin's goal in the 86th minute to set up a tense finale against Wolfsburg. - IMAGO/O.Behrendt

Man of the Match: Patrick Wimmer

The Austrian midfielder delivered a masterclass in efficiency, scoring a spectacular goal that set the tone for Wolfsburg's victory. Wimmer's outside-of-the-boot strike from 23 metres displayed exceptional technique and was the catalyst for his side's crucial win.

Beyond his goal, Wimmer was heavily involved in the match, engaging in 30 duels (more than any other player), covering substantial distance, and helping his team defensively. His impact was such that even after his substitution in the 71st minute, his contribution remained the defining factor in Wolfsburg's first victory in 13 matches.

Man of the match Wimmer celebrates his stunning opener that helped Wolfsburg secure a vital three points in their fight against relegation. - IMAGO/Ayman Alahmed

Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Union Berlin 2.92 - Wolfsburg 0.19
Fastest player: Oliver Burke (Union), 36.4 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 0-1 by Patrick Wimmer (Wolfsburg), 4.8 per cent
Most pressed player: Ilyas Ansah (Union), 21 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Denis Vavro (Wolfsburg), +1.84

Fantasy Heroes: Danilho Doekhi (Union Berlin, 341 Points), Joakim Mæhle (Wolfsburg, 302 Points), Kamil Grabara (Wolfsburg, 274 Points)