Pre-Match Notes: After winning 1-2 against Benfica in the first leg of the UWCL Quarterfinals, the Olympique Lyon Féminin will be meeting Lille for their next D1 Arkema regular season match. Lyon is currently number one in the standings with 49 points. A seven-point gap separates Lyon from league rivals, Paris Saint-Germain, who are coming in second with 42 points.

When it came to Lyon’s quarterfinal match against Benfica, the Portuguese club proved to be a challenge for the Lyon team, a challenge the team may not have been expecting. Benfica would end up leading Lyon 1-0 in the first half, due to a passing and defending error, however Lyon would come back and grab two goals in the second half, securing the win and a one-point lead on aggregate.

Despite winning the match, Lyon didn’t put on the best performance against Benfica. The team wasn’t nearly as dominant as fans expected them to be, with Lyon at times losing control of the midfield and having trouble getting out of pressure. When it came to Lyon’s attack, despite Delphine Cascarino getting forward and creating plenty of chances, Lyon’s finesse and ruthlessness in the attack, and in front of goal, was missing. It wasn’t nearly as threatening as it needed to be. As for the backline and defense, while they were able to hold off Benfica’s attack and recover possession, the match showed that there still needs to be better awareness in the backline and defense, especially when facing pressure from the opposing team’s attack.

When it comes to this match against Lille, it is likely Lyon is going to come away with a win. Lyon will dominate when it comes to control and possession, they will be able to get their attack forward without issue, and will be able to create plenty of chances for the attack. We are likely to see a different performance from Lyon in this match, when compared to their last match against Benfica. While Lyon struggled against Benfica, the team may not face that same challenge from Lille. Either way, whether Lille challenges Lyon or not, what we need to see from this Lyon team is a level of ruthlessness in front of goal. Lyon must return to being that intimidating and determined squad that is constantly searching for goals, and always hungry to win.

Line Up Notes

Starting Eleven: We have Christiane Endler in the goal. For defenders Ellie Carpenter, Vanessa Gilles, Alice Sombath, and Perle Morroni. For midfielders Damaris Egurrola, Dzsenifer Marozsán, and Daniëlle van de Donk. For forwards Amel Majri, Kadidiatou Diani, and Vicki Bècho.

There are some changes from Lyon’s last line up against Benfica. This is most likely done to rest players in order to prepare them for the team’s next meeting with Benfica. No Lindsey Horan, Selma Bacha, or Mbock for this one. Instead Morroni, a like-for-like change from Bacha, will be starting in the backline, while Marozsán will be starting in the midfield with Damaris and van de Donk. All three of these midfielders were available for Lyon’s first meeting against Benfica, but didn’t start. Hopefully, this time around, with Marozsán, Damaris, and van de Donk starting, we’ll see something different in the midfield in regards to control, stability, and better connection.

Like in the match against Benfica, Wendie Renard is available off the bench. She is coming back from an injury and it’s unknown whether she will come on in the second half. Renard, having captained Lyon and France for many years, is no doubt an important player for this Lyon team, as she provides strong leadership and good stability for the team. If she comes on in the second half, it could further boost the team’s and fans’ morale.

When it comes to the attack Delphine Cascarino and Melchie Dumornay are also unavailable, and Ada Hegerberg is still out due to an injury. This attack should still be able to get the job done. I don’t see Lyon having much trouble in regards to control and possession, so the team should be able to get their attack off more effectively.

First Half Notes

Olympique Lyon 0-3.

Goal Scorers for Lyon: Becho (1), Marozsán (1), Majri (1).

Becho would score early in the first half after a corner kick. Then, a cross from Diani would be kicked into the path of Marozsán, who would slam it into the back of the net. A cross from Becho would find Majri, who would score Lyon’s third goal.

Overall, this was a really good first-half performance from Lyon. As expected, Lyon was dominant when it came to their control and possession. They’re getting their attack forward without much issue. They have faced some pressure in the midfield from Lille, but so far, Lyon has been doing well to handle it and get out of it. I still think handling pressure in the midfield is something Lyon needs to touch up on, but if we’re just focusing on this game, Lyon has it covered.

When it comes to Lyon’s attack, not many issues there. Lyon is patient and picking their chances wisely, however, fewer touches on the ball when Lyon gets into the Lille box could allow for Lyon to get past Lille’s defense a lot quicker and allow for them to make more attempts on goal. Besides that, Lyon is in complete control and is likely to grab more goals in the second half.

Second Half and Closing Notes

Olympique Lyon Wins 0-7.

Goal scorers for Lyon: Becho (2), Marozsán (1), Majri (3), Joseph (1).

Diani’s cross would find Majri who would score Lyon’s fourth goal. Becho would score her second goal after a cross from Sombath. A goalkeeping error by Lille would see the ball bounce off Joseph into the Lille box, allowing Joseph to run past the keeper and score. Majri would score Lyon’s final goal after a cross from Joseph.

Lille was awarded a penalty kick after a foul in the box by Joseph, however, Lille would see their penalty attempt saved by Endler.

Overall, this was a solid performance from Lyon. Lyon in this half appeared more aggressive and direct with their attack. Less touches on the ball in the box, and more going for goal. Like in the first half, there was good control and possession from Lyon. Lille were able to get their attack forward, and while Lyon may be needing to work on their responses to counterattacks and transitions, the backline did well to recover possession and cut off Lille’s attack.

Lyon did go down to ten players late in the second half, after Joseph had to come off due to what looked like a pulled hamstring. Despite being out of substitutes, and playing with ten, Lyon were still able to maintain control. In general, this was a great performance from Lyon. Hopefully the Lyon team can replicate this level of dominance and control in their second leg against Benfica.