Juba Touabi, Media365, published on Wednesday November 20, 2024 at 11:05 p.m.
Hanging on for an hour, the Lyonnaises found the necessary resources to outclass AS Rome (4-1) on Wednesday evening, validating their qualification for the quarter-finals of the Women's Champions League. A performance marked by a spectacular reaction in the second half.
Faced with a well-organized Roma team determined to create a surprise, the Lyon players dominated without achieving anything. Despite possession in their favor (53%), the Fenottes struggled to be dangerous in the final meters. Dumornay (25th) and Chawinga (15th, 40th) tried their luck, but without success. For their part, the Romans showed chilling realism. On one of their rare forays, Dragoni opened the scoring in the 74th minute, deceiving Endler with a precise shot after a precise pass from Thogersen. This goal seemed to complicate OL's plans, but that was without counting on their ability to turn the situation around.
The Lyonnaises shine in Europe
The reaction was not long in coming. Kadidiatou Diani quickly equalized from a corner in the 77th minute, before doubling the lead two minutes later with a sublime volley. OL, transformed, then unfolded: Le Sommer signed a gem of a strike in the 89th minute, while Wendie Renard, true to her reputation, concluded the festival with an unstoppable header from a corner in added time (90 '+2).
With this resounding victory, the Lyonnaises secured their 16th qualification for the quarter-finals of the Champions League, an absolute record. Leaders of their group with 12 points, they will travel to Galatasaray on December 11 to close the group stage. This performance, although laborious in the first period, once again demonstrates OL's ability to win in crucial moments. A strong message sent to Europe as the Fenottes continue to aim for a new continental coronation.
