The trip to Reims this Sunday afternoon for the round of 16 resulted in a goalless draw, then a penalty shootout which did not favor the Lyonnaises (0-0, 10-9 tab ).
At kickoff, Joe Montemurro had carried out a large squad review, giving playing time to Alice Sombath, Ada Hegerberg et Vicki Becho.
On the pitch, the Fenottes struggled to appear dangerous. It was even Reims which had the first big opportunity, with the crossbar of Laura Benkarth found by a keystroke Lucie Bald in the 27th minute.
In the second half, OL women still failed to show a more conquering face. Vicki Becho had a good chance in the 63rd minute by propelling the ball over a cross from We have finished Chawinga.
This same Chawinga who completely missed the match point in the 90th minute. The deflected strike of Kadidiatou Diani was taken over by the Malawian at the end of the race, but just short.
Well grouped in defense, the Rémoises achieved the same feat as two years ago, namely taking the Lyonnaises to penalties.
Lindsey Horan made the first shot, but Ada Hegerberg totally missed the second attempt. Fortunately, Mathilde Kack in turn missed his shot for Reims, relaunching OL.
Kadidiatou Diani did not tremble for the third shot on goal. Damaris Egurrola was very lucky on the 4th shot, because the Reims goalkeeper had a hole.
On the fifth decisive shot, Eugenie Le Sommer was even luckier than the Dutchwoman, with an Arconada of Kayza Massey.
The session continued in unbreathable suspense, and Sofia Huerta, Elie Carpenter, Vanessa Gilles, Alice Sombath, Tabitha Chawinga transformed in turn, forcing Laura Benkarth to strike. Badly inspired in this session with 0 saves, the German missed her attempt, eliminating the OL women…
This totally neutral meeting on the part of OL and the early elimination is really not good preparation for next Saturday’s clash against PSG in the championship…
