Article and gallery by Jean-Pierre Thiesset (21/4/24).
Without Ada Hegerberg and Eugénie Le Sommer, Lyon was playing without its 2 best scorers in front of its attack. However, Olympique Lyonnais dominated largely the first half but did not score due to a lack of efficiency in front of Paris Saint-Germain goal, putting the ball outside of the nets on most of their shots, and due to a huge performance of Constance Picaud, PSG goalkeeper. Lyon’s ineffiency came back to haunt them right before half-time as Marie-Antoinette Katoto fired PSG in front.
The second half started as the first was concluded, with a goal from Marie-Antoinette Katoto at the 48th minute. From here, Lyon seemed doomed with a two-goal deficit with PSG still pushing hard and nearly scoring a third.
But, all was not lost for Lyon as their players kept fighting, showing incredible spirit and tenacity. They took the game back into their own hands, controlling possession and had several opportunities after the 60 minute mark, but still failed to capitalise on their chances.
However, in the 75th minute, two pivotal changes were made that had a big impact on the game: PSG replaced Jade Le Guilly who was having a great performance preventing Lyon players from scoring and Lyon put Amel Majri on her attack in place of Delphine Cascarino. The experienced Lyon winger made a real change in energy for the hosts.
5 minutes later, Lyon finally breached Picaud’s defence and scored, with Kadidiatou Diani finishing off a nice ball form Ellie Carpenter. From this moment, Lyon had an extraordinary period of play, scoring three times in 6 minutes. An outstanding shot from Melchie Dumornay on the 85th minute stunned fans and levelled up the match before Amel Majri completed Lyon’s comeback with a neat shot in the 86th minute.
Melchie Dumornay, Lyon, who had an outstanding performance with 1 goal and 1 assist within 2 minutes, was elected player of the match.
While the fans had been subdued when PSG took and doubled their lead, the stadium exploded as the comeback was on. Chanting and singing took over the stadium and there is no doubt it propelled Lyon to one of the best comebacks in women’s football. Looking ahead to the second leg, Lyon not only have a one goal lead, but a real mental advantage over their rivals.
Olympique Lyonnais: (4-1-2-3) Endler – Bacha, Renard, Mbock (Gilles 53′), Carpenter, Egurrola, Dumornay, Horan, Cascarino (Majri 75′), Becho (Van De Donk 58′), Diani. Coach: Sonia Bompastor.
Scorers: Diani (80′), Dumornay (85′), Majri (86′).
Paris Saint-Germain: (4-3-3) Picaud, Karchaoui, De Almeida, Gaetino, Le Guilly (Vangsgaard 75′), Albert (Samoura 46′), Geyoro, Groenen, Chawinga, Katoto (Martens 75′), Baltimore. Coach: Jocelyn Prêcheur.
Scorers: Katoto (44′, 48′).
Referee: Marta Huerta De Aza (Spain).
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