Their coach Olivier Echouafni did well in defending it this Tuesday at a press conference, where only questions about the semi-final of the Women’s Champions League were also allowed, it is a double feeling of revenge that should animate his daughters this Wednesday (8 p.m., on Canal + and BeIN Sports 1) at the San Mamés stadium in Bilbao opposite Lyon.
“Avenge” the band to Neymar
The Parisians have the opportunity to “avenge” the band in Neymar, beaten (0-1) by Bayern, and to rally in turn the final Sunday in San Sebastian. Even if this quest for the first star would not have the same impact, it would be all the more tasty as it would mean that they have finally succeeded in defeating their great rivals and pet peeves. Lionesses who reign fiercely over France (14 titles in a row) and Europe (6 successes in the Champions League, including the last 4). No later than August 9 in Auxerre, in the final of the Coupe de France, OL put an end to Parisian illusions on penalties. Three years ago, the European final in Cardiff between the two ended the same way.
History seems to repeat itself almost endlessly. Since 2012 and the professionalization borrowed by the women’s section of PSG, the balance clearly tilts in favor of the Rhone club with 18 victories (including 4 on penalties), 4 defeats and 4 draws. “Despite this defeat, everything helps us in our learning. We try not to reproduce the same errors, ”puts Echouafni into perspective, brushing aside the idea of a complex on his team or of a psychological advantage for his opponent.
“It’s a completely different confrontation from the others because it’s the Champions League. All counters are reset. It is quite logical that OL are favorites. The Lyonnaises have a lot of experience and lived high level matches, but we’ve been working very well for some time too. Our group has reached a milestone in terms of maturity and automatism in the game. The players are able to let go collectively and individually. We can pose problems in Lyon. “
“It may be the right time for Paris”
Bayern Munich showed the way by pushing – in vain (2-1) – the Lyonnaises to their last corner last Saturday in the quarterfinals while PSG defeated Arsenal by the same score. “Lyon is able to do much more, much more, announces the Lyon coach Jean-Luc Vasseur. The mental aspect in these matches is essential. To rub shoulders with the players on a daily basis, they are champions, always happy, always on this dynamic of victory, of titles. We feel strong. “
Confirmation of his goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi, who displays great confidence despite increasingly narrow successes against PSG. “The gap in score is reduced, but we are still ahead, proclaims the one who was still decisive in the Coupe de France. The team that wins at the end is mentally stronger. Suffice to say that the Lyonnaises are not ready to let their rivals end their supremacy.
Overthrow the mountain
“It may be the right time for Paris, he can do it,” said Patrice Lair, however. The former coach of OL (2010-2014) and PSG (2016-2018) thinks that the Parisiennes have “a real chance to create a surprise”. “They have the players for and can take advantage of the fact that there is a lack of people in Lyon, who are not very good in the game. But the Lyonnaises are also capable of surpassing themselves. It’s very open and it’s going to be balanced. It’s 50-50. What about the inferiority complex? “It’s up to the players to realize this and remove the handbrake. What do they have to lose? Nothing. Let go of the horses! “
Like the pact made by their male counterparts, PSG players are counting on their collective dimension to overthrow the mountain. “From the start and even before, the team showed its character, its mentality of being together,” said Canadian side Ashley Lawrence. We make efforts for each other. Both incumbents and substitutes can change the game. We are a group, that’s our strength. The moment of truth has come.
