Last weekend was intense in Lyon with a 17th French championship title won by the women’s team and an unexpected European qualification snatched by its men’s counterpart. And yet, that may be nothing compared to what awaits fans this weekend.
This Saturday, May 25, Olympique Lyonnais is in the final of the Women’s Champions League (6 p.m.) and the final of the Men’s Coupe de France (9 p.m.). The kickoff of the two posters will only be three hours apart. We could therefore see the Lyonnais exult in the event of the coronation of Sonia Bompastor’s players around 8 p.m., before having their eyes fixed a few minutes later on Pierre Sage’s players who hope to surprise the Parisian ogre.
“The women’s team is the loser in this story”
In 2012, this scenario had already happened. Olympique Lyonnais won both competitions. A notable difference, however, was that the matches took place nineteen days apart, giving supporters the opportunity to follow both matches.
This time, you will have to make a choice. Particularly for spectators since 1,100 kilometers separate the San Mamés stadium in Bilbao (Spain) from the Pierre-Mauroy stadium in Lille. Attending both meetings in such a short interval is therefore mission impossible. To the great regret of Jean-Michel Aulas, former emblematic president of Olympique Lyonnais. Having become vice-president of the French Football Federation and boss of the new Women’s Football League, he chose like the majority of supporters. He will be in Lille to hope to see the men’s team win a fifth Coupe de France, twelve years after the last.
“ Seeing him go to the Pierre-Mauroy stadium doesn’t excite us. We counted on him a little as he was always there for the girlsgrimaces Willy Pasche, member of OL Ang’Elles, a group of supporters of the women’s team of which around a hundred members will be present in Bilbao. It’s bullshit to have planned both matches on the same day… he continues. The authorities should have discussed among themselves and come to an agreement. The women’s team is the loser in this story. Because it’s been a long time since the boys won the Coupe de France and people have become accustomed to seeing OL women win…”
45,000 seats at Groupama Stadium
In Bilbao, the Lyonnaises should therefore face a sold-out stadium almost acquired by FC Barcelona. While in Lille, 15,000 tickets were allocated by the FFF to supporters of the Rhone club. Nothing to discourage Amel Majri. “I like it when I hear the opposing supporters emulating, it motivates meconfided the Olympique Lyonnais winger to Progress . But sometimes we don’t pay attention when we’re on the pitch, we’re focused on our performance. It’s going to be a great atmosphere. »
The atmosphere should also be special this Saturday at Groupama Stadium, exceptionally open to allow supporters to follow their two teams remotely. The club has made 45,000 free tickets available and will broadcast the two matches on a giant screen.
The two teams on the balcony of City Hall?
Divided on the question of which team to follow, Lyon supporters agree on the essentials: “The most important thing is to win”, summarizes Willy Pasche. If successful, the party would indeed be complete on the banks of the Rhône. And unprecedented.
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We could even witness a historic scene: the two teams, side by side, with their trophy on the balcony of City Hall. A photo that would immortalize this unique day in Lyon.
