Pre-Match Notes

In the first leg of the UWCL Semifinals, Olympique Lyon went down 0-2 in the second half. However Lyon would make an impressive comeback, scoring three goals in six minutes, winning the match 3-2. Lyon are 3-2 on aggregate, and this second leg will determine whether the Lyon team will move onto the Champions League Finals.

While Lyon proved they can handle high stress situations, and not lose their composure under pressure, this is likely to be another tough challenge for the Lyon team. There needs to be better awareness in the backline, as well as better recoveries and cleaner defending in the box. Lyon needs to make sure their wings are covered, in addition to closing down any gaps in the box. Defending on set pieces and corner kicks also needs to be more concise.

In regard to the midfield and attack, there needs to be a balance between offensive and defensive play. The midfield needs to keep control and provide support for the backline when need. Additionally, there needs to be good connection between and midfield and attack, especially in the attacking third. Connection and finishing in the box is going to be integral.

Knowing this Lyon team, with their many accomplishments, years of success and experience, and their desire to fight and win, Lyon is definitely up to the challenge. Whether they’ll triumph in this match and move onto the finals, is something they still have to prove.

Line Up

Starting Eleven: Christiane Endler in the goal. For defenders Ellie Carpenter, Vanessa Gilles, Wendie Renard, and Selma Bacha. For midfielders Daniëlle van de Donk, Damaris Egurrola, and Lindsey Horan. For forwards Delphine Cascarino, Melchie Dumornay, and Kadidiatou Diani.

Substitutes: Feerine Belhadj, Laura Benkarth, Perle Morroni, Alice Sombath, Alice Marques, Dzsenifer Marozsán, Kysha Sylla, Maeline Mendy, Amel Majri, Vicki Becho.

First Half Notes

Olympique Lyon 1-1. (3-4 on Aggregate).

Goal Scorer for Lyon: Selma Bacha (1).

Lyon would win an early corner kick. A short pass from Dumornay would find Bacha, who would score the opening goal.

For the most part, Lyon are doing well. After Bacha scored and made it 2-4 on aggregate, Lyon were mainly defending, and allowing PSG to come at them. The backline is doing well and there is great support in the defense. Since PSG was able to tie things up and make it 3-4 on aggregate, Lyon’s strategy for the second half might change. Lyon may get on the attack more, since they don’t want to run the risk of PSG scoring again.

Despite playing defensively in the first half, Lyon was still able to get their attack forward. Their counterattack had been good, and Lyon has been able to find openings in the PSG backline. Lyon created a handful of goal-scoring opportunities in this half, however the attack couldn’t connect and finish their chances. The scoreline could have been much higher for Lyon if they did just that.

Additionally, there needs to be better control and stability in the midfield, especially going into the second half. Lyon, in the first half, have been allowing PSG to get on the ball. They’re not really fighting to gain control of the midfield. There needs to be more of an effort from Horan, van de Donk, and Damaris when it comes to regaining possession centrally, instead of just waiting till PSG reaches Lyon’s defensive third.

Second Half and Closing Notes

Olympique Lyon Wins 1-2 (3-5 on aggregate).

Goal Scorers for Lyon: Bacha (1), Dumornay (1).

Becho’s cross would find Majri, who would touch it off to Dumornay before going down. Dumornay would score Lyon’s second goal, sealing PSG’s fate, and Lyon’s ticket to the UWCL Final.

This was a great performance from Lyon. If the team’s performance can be described in one word, it would be clinical. Clinical defending with a patient but strong counterattack. The Lyon backline was solid and much like the first half, there was great support in the defense. There appeared to be more of a focus on defending in both halves. However, Lyon’s counterattack proved to be deadly, able to create gaps in the PSG backline.

When it comes to Lyon’s midfield and attack, there still needs to be better connection and finishing in the attacking third, as well as better control in the midfield. Granted, the midfield was able to provide good support in the defense, however, maintaining control and stability in the midfield will be important for this Lyon team moving forward.

Olympique Lyon will now face Barcelona in the Champions League Final.