Pre-Match Notes: It’s matchday one of the UEFA Women’s Champions League, and eight-time Championship holders, Olympique Lyonnais Féminin, will be meeting Slavia Praha (Prague) in the group stage. Lyon is in Group B with Slavia Praha, SK Brann Kvinner, and SKN St. Pölten.

When it comes to the match against Slavia Praha, I don’t think the Lyon defense and goalkeeper, Christiane Endler, will be tested much. Lyon’s defense is well-organized and has fast reactions to opposing teams’ counterattacks and transitions.

If Slavia is anything like I remember last season when they played Wolfsburg in the Champions League group stages, they’re most likely going to be on the defensive. Slavia, last season in the group stages, struggled to get their attack forward, so the team mainly focused on their defense. Even if Slavia were to get their attack forward in this match, Lyon’s midfield and backline will be able to recover possession without issue.

It’s important to note, Slavia is very good on the defensive. They’re a defense-oriented team, and can withstand the barrage of a heavy attacking team. While I can definitely see Lyon having the most possession and control in this match, they may have a tough time breaking through Slavia’s backline and defense.

Crosses and services into the box may not always work against Slavia, so Lyon is needing to utilize more of their creativity and movement. Quick touches, movement, and passing could be beneficial for Lyon. Maintaining an aggressive attack, along with strong control of the midfield could also wear down Slavia’s defense. Support in the attack is also going to be essential for rebounds and volleys, which can also benefit Lyon’s attack as well. Sonia Bompastor is a skilled football tactician so I’m interested to see what her strategy is for this match.

Line Up Notes

Starting Eleven: We have Christiane Endler in the goal. For defenders Ellie Carpenter, Vanessa Gilles, Wendie Renard, and Perle Morroni. In the midfield and attack: Lindsey Horan, Sara Däbritz, Daniëlle Van De Donk, Kadidiatou Diani, Eugénie Le Sommer, and Ada Hegerberg.

This is a terrifying line up especially with this attack consisting of Diani, Le Sommer, and Hegerberg. Very strong goalscoring potential in the attack, but it’s going to come down to whether Lyon will be able to breakthrough Slavia’s defense.

I do see in Slavia Praha’s line up, they have Olivie Lukášová starting in goal. She’s a pretty solid goalkeeper from what I’ve seen last season. If Lyon can up their pace, maintain heavy pressure and maintain their attack to an aggressive degree, they should be able to find their way through Slavia’s backline. Lukášová might be a different story though. Either way, it’s going to be very interesting to see how Lyon handles Slavia Praha in this match.

First Half Notes

Olympique Lyon 6-0.

Honestly, I thought Slavia Praha would put up more of a fight against Lyon, but so far Lyon has been finding their way through and getting behind Slavia Praha’s back line. Diani on Slavia’s left wing has been deadly. She’s getting behind the backline, getting past defenders, and getting in the box. Her crosses and touches have been good as well. The same can also be said when it comes to the rest of Lyon’s attack. Good touches, crosses, and services. Great connection in the attack, along with good movement in the midfield and attack as well. Not only that, Lyon has been doing well when it comes to maintaining control and possession in this half. Most likely, it’s going to be the same going into the second half. We could also see Dumornay, Becho, Majri, or Marozsán come on in the second half as well.

My only small criticism is Lyon needs to be careful when it comes to Slavia’s counterattacks and transitions. They also have to be careful with turnovers in the midfield too. That’s just a small detail, but not one Bompastor and the team should ignore. Defensively, though, Lyon has been doing well when it comes to recovering possession and shutting down Slavia’s attack.

When it comes to Slavia Praha, they’re quick with their counters and transitions. They can definitely get their attack forward, but the downside is there isn’t much support in their attack, so it makes it easy for Lyon to recover possession. If Slavia wants to try and get something out of this game, they need to have more support in their attack.

Second Half/Closing Notes

Olympique Lyon Wins 9-0.

Lyon goes on to top Group B with three points and a nine-goal differential. This was a good win for Lyon. Däbritz, Van De Donk, Gilles, Le Sommer, Diani, Renard, Hegerberg, and Majri are the goal scorers for tonight. In general, Lyon looked great in this match. Good control and possession. Good touches, services, and crosses. Great connection in the attack. Good finishing as well. Overall, just a very dominant showing from this Lyon team.

Despite Slavia Praha being able to get their attack forward, and trying to show off some of their attacking prowess in the second half, Lyon was quick to shut that down, and had even caught Slavia off guard with a counterattack of their own. Overall, just a great performance from Lyon. What a way for Lyon to kick off their Champions League run.

Lyon’s next Champions League Group Stage Match is going to be Wednesday, November 22nd against SKN St. Pölten.