Wolfsburg vs Lyon: a European classic in a friendly format - 24.07.2026
If you’re already missing European football, then on July 24 you should pay attention to the friendly clash between Wolfsburg and Lyon.
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Even though there won’t be any points or trophies at stake, matches like this often turn out to be far more exciting than they might seem at first glance. For both teams, this is one of their last serious tests before the new season kicks off, meaning the players will be fighting not just for victory, but also for a spot in the starting lineup.
Wolfsburg are pressing on with their pre-season preparations.
The German side is going through an intense training camp, gradually ramping up workloads while also fine-tuning tactical schemes. The coaching staff is experimenting with different combinations across all areas of the pitch, so the lineup changes regularly in friendlies, giving chances not only to established leaders but also to young talents. That’s why a game against a side like Lyon is so important. The French club traditionally relies on quick, technical football, giving the Wolves a perfect opportunity to test themselves against a team with a completely different approach.
Lyon too are undergoing a major overhaul this summer. After a tough previous season, the club is eager to reclaim its place among the elite of French football. The team is gradually finding its rhythm, and these pre-season matches are helping the coaching staff figure out who’s ready for the league opener and who still needs to step up. In recent friendlies, Lyon have looked confident—especially in attack, where they continue to bank on pace, individual skill, and relentless pressure on the opposition’s defense.
Interestingly, this encounter will take place in Bamberg, Germany, in an unusual format: two halves of 60 minutes each. This format has been used in some pre-season games for quite a while and allows coaches to give as many players as possible a runout. Almost everyone will get a chance to showcase their abilities, so don’t expect the usual starting elevens. We’re likely to see a host of different combinations throughout the match, and the intensity is sure to stay high right up to the final whistle.
The head-to-head history between Wolfsburg and Lyon isn’t particularly rich, which only adds extra intrigue to every new meeting. What’s more, both clubs prefer a modern, attacking style of football. The German side typically relies on high pressing and swift transitions from defense to attack, while the French outfit emphasizes possession, interplay, and the pace of their wingers. It’s the clash of these styles that could become the main highlight of the game.
Of course, in friendly matches, the final score rarely becomes the main talking point. What matters more is seeing how new tactical ideas work, how fit the players are, and what conclusions the coaches can draw ahead of the official season kick-off. Still, both teams will surely want to finish this stage of their preparations on a high note, so don’t expect an easy stroll for either side.
All signs point to an open, high-scoring encounter. The lack of tournament pressure usually frees up the players, and a flurry of substitutions only adds to the dynamism. If Wolfsburg and Lyon deliver the same level of intensity they’ve shown in their previous friendlies this summer, fans can expect a thrilling contest packed with goal-scoring chances and stylish combinations. For European football lovers, it’s a perfect way to pass the time while waiting for the official season to return.
My prediction: both teams to score – yes.
