Pre Match Notes

After knocking out Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League Semifinals, then beating them again in the Division 1 Féminin Final, Olympique Lyon, the Champions of France, are now set to face Barcelona in the UWCL Final. Will Lyon be able to pull off a ninth Champions League win? Will Barcelona grab their third? Whatever the result, this match features two of the very best in women’s football.

When it comes to this match, controlling the midfield is going to be contentious for both sides. If Lyon wants to be successful in this match, they needs to control the midfield as much as possible. This would mean applying pressure on Barcelona in the midfield, as well as cutting off their main passing targets. Lyon has to make it as uncomfortable as they can for Barcelona, since Barcelona is a team that likes being able to control and move around in the midfield. Barcelona, if given the freedom, will take charge of the midfield.

In regard to Lyon’s defense and backline, the team as seen in their multiple matches against PSG, is locked in when it comes to defending. Defending and locking down their penalty area may not be an issue for Lyon; however, they still have to be aware and cautious, since Barcelona, on the attack, can be very dangerous.

Lyon’s attack will be able to get forward in this match, however, there will most likely be some back-and-forth between both sides. Because of this, Lyon has to respond quickly to Barcelona’s counterattack and transitions. This, once again, will go back to the Lyon midfielders needing to step up when it comes to control, recoveries, and defensive play.

Line Up Notes

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

Overall, this is a good line up. Cascarino, Diani, and Dumornay will definitely be able to create a few chances in the attack. The same can also be said for van de Donk and Horan since these two also like getting forward. As long as Lyon can keep possession in the midfield, and apply pressure to Barcelona, the attack will be able to get forward.

Ada Hegerberg is available off the bench, which is good news for Lyon fans. She could come on at some point in the second half. Hegerberg is returning from injury, and while some fans may question not starting her in the first half, it will most likely benefit her and Lyon if she comes on in the second half.

First Half Notes

Olympique Lyon 0-0.

It’s not a bad first half. Lyon is getting forward and creating chances. There have been a few good chances for Lyon, but going into the second half, they need to create more. There also needs to be better connection in the box. Lyon does this thing where they’ll keep the ball near Barcelona’s defensive third, and will put pressure on them there; however, there is not enough pressure in the midfield, where it’s also needed the most. Lyon needs to be more aggressive in the midfield when it comes to recoveries, and fighting to regain possession.

While Lyon has been able to get forward, there needs to be better control in the midfield. Lyon is not losing the midfield battle yet; however, if they can’t assert themselves more in the second half, they will find themselves under more pressure, and not able to get forward like they want.

Barcelona, in this first half, were getting forward, and were, at times, dangerously close to scoring. Lyon’s backline, while they were able to hold off Barcelona’s attack for the most part, is needing to tighten up their defense, and watch their flanks/wings.

Going into the second half, there needs to be a change of pace and strategy from Lyon, especially in regard to the attack.

Second Half and Closing Notes

Olympique Lyon Lose 2-0.

Barcelona Wins the Champions League Final.

With this being the Champions League Final, this loss is obviously devasting to Lyon and Lyon fans, after what was a successful season. No, Lyon may not have won the Coupe De France; however, they did win the league, and are still crowned the Champions of France. A loss in the Champions League Final isn’t something Lyon hasn’t experienced before. What comes to mind is the 2012-2013 UWCL Final, where Lyon ended up losing 1-0 to VfL Wolfsburg.

When it comes to this match though, there were a lot of things that Lyon needed to do early on, but ended up not doing. Lyon needed to maintain control of the midfield, and put pressure on Barcelona in the midfield. They didn’t do that. Lyon needed to play with more urgency and intensity in the second half, and once again, Lyon didn’t do that, until Barcelona scored their first goal. Where was that intensity and fight early on in the first half? Or early on in the second half?

Ada Hegerberg entered the game in the 81st minute. Would she have been able to make a difference if she was brought on earlier? Then again, would it have mattered given how Lyon was playing? Lyon also had chances to score throughout both halves, but were unable to put them away. Would it have made a difference with Hegerberg? It’s still hard to say, and you cannot determine that no matter how many hypothetical questions you ask. In the end, Lyon did what they could. They did their best, but ultimately it wasn’t enough.