On Wednesday November 13 and 20, Olympique Lyonnais will meet AS Roma. A poster that smells like the C1 of the 2000s, pitting Juninho against Totti. Only, this time it is about the Women’s Champions League, a completely new poster.
The women’s section of the club in the Italian capital was created in 2018 and has benefited, for only a few years, from the professionalization of the Italian championship to emerge and gradually establish itself as a leader at the national and potentially international level.
A recent club but full of ambitions
Only six years old, the AS Roma women’s section already has two Italian championship titles, in 2023 and 2024, with a Cup – Championship double last season.
For their first participation in the Champions League, the Roma had inherited the group of Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Ajax Amsterdam. They finished last in their group with a record of one victory, two draws and three defeats, including two against PSG (1-2, 1-3).
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This year, Alessandro Spugna’s players have only one defeat, against their national rivals, Juventus (2-1). In the European Cup, the Romans beat the players of Galatasaray (1-6) and especially Wolfsburg, regular in European competitions and leader of the Bundesliga (1-0). Enough to approach the match against Lyon calmly. “We really like these matches because we are playing against one of the strongest teams in the world. I hope the stadium will be full, because it’s an opportunity to see a truly high-level match.”declared the coach, Saturday November 9, after his players’ victory against Fiorentina.
A reunion with Saki Kumagai
Within its squad, AS Rome can count on experienced players at international level, such as Saki Kumagai, Japanese international in 240 matches with… Olympique Lyonnais. The 34-year-old defender, who can also play in midfield, can count on the support of her compatriot in central hinge, Moeka Minami. On the offensive side, the danger mainly comes from Évelyne Viens, former Paris FC player. The Canadian striker finished as Serie A’s top scorer in 2024 and is currently fifth in the table this season, with four goals scored.
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To surround its international stars, AS Rome can count on national talents. This year, nine Italian players have already worn the Roma tunic, including Manuela Giugliano, midfielder, captain and 27e of the 2024 Women’s Golden Ball. The only scorer against Wolfsburg, she will try to lead her teammates to success again, against Lyon, to take her club to a new milestone.
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