the Lyonnaises once again in the final after their victory over PSG

Published on : 26/08/2020 – 22:33

Jostled but not KO, the Lyonnaises again took the upper hand over their rivals Paris SG (1-0) thanks to their captain Wendie Renard, Wednesday August 26 in Bilbao in the semi-final of the Champions League, continuing their quest for a 5^e Successive Champions League.

The ax did not pass far from the heads of the queens of Europe, with the rich list of six European crowns. But, as usual, they were able to return Parisiennes to their status as eternal runners-up.

Sunday in San Sebastián, another host country of the “Final 8” without an audience and on neutral ground, the “Fenottes” will still find an old acquaintance with Wolfsburg, their executioner in the final of the 2013 edition, against whom they are avenged in 2016 and 2018.

This Franco-German duel, as in the final of the men’s edition, already offers certainty: for the ninth consecutive year, the continental trophy will go to the players of Wolfsburg (crowned in 2013 and 2014) or those of Lyon (2011 and 2012). , then from 2016 to 2019).

The ambitious PSG team will still have to wait to join the big leagues, after this umpteenth disillusion.

A goal from Captain Wendie Renard

His executioner is called Wendie Renard, the captain of all records in the Champions League who, with a stung head (67^e), released his own by taking a free kick from Amel Majri.

The howl of joy of the Lyonnaises then broke through the “cathedral” San Mamés, stadium of Athletic Bilbao empty of any spectator in these times of pandemic.

This liberating whim, which Renard is customary, was preceded by a stroke of fate, fatal for Parisians. Because the action of the goal was built on the expulsion of Grace Geyoro (65^e), the Parisian midfielder receiving a second warning after hanging Lucy Bronze.

The harshness of the fight also resulted in the exclusion of the Lyon striker Nikita Parris, also punished for an excess of engagement (75^e) about ten minutes later.

In this choppy encounter, where its individualities did not shine, OL stumbled for a long time against the defensive block feared by Lyon goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi, for lack of precision or strength.

“We have the ability […] to get this victory “

With this result, Lyon maintains its domination over PSG, already beaten on August 9 in the final of the Coupe de France after a penalty shootout.

“The gap in terms of score is narrowing but Lyon is still ahead, we still win our matches, our competitions,” said Sarah Bouhaddi before the meeting. “We have the mental, physical and collective capacity to get this victory,” predicted the goalkeeper, decisive in the 90^e minute on a dangerous center.

Under the eyes of President Jean-Michel Aulas, the Lyonnaises have once again proven that they are the queens of the big meetings, despite the injury-related absence of their executives Ada Hegerberg, Griedge Mbock and Amandine Henry.

There is now one step to climb, Sunday in San Sebastian, to stay at the top of Europe.

With AFP