In this D1 Feminine clash, OL and PSG parted ways in a 0-0 draw. This result means that Lyon, fourteen-time-in-a-row French champions, no longer hold their fate in their own hands while PSG has never been so close to winning the D1.
If Paris win against Dijon, they will be crowned national champions for the first time.
Lyon aligned a 4-3-3 formation which could be a 3-4-3 in offensive situations with Ellie Carpenter playing high and Selma Bacha staying in the back. Karchaoui played in the front line and took Eugenie Le Sommer’s spot, who is injured.
With tension at its peak, the start of the match was chopped up by many faults on both sides.
PSG had the first opportunity thanks to Sandy Baltimore with a cross taken by Kadidiatou Diani and stopped by Sarah Bouhaddi (5′). The Parisian attack then focused to the left. Ellie Carpenter was going to have a tough game.
The Lyon block was very high and seeks to press Grace Geyoro and Sara Däbritz, the PSG metronomes. But Paris went through the wings and once again Sandy Baltimore passed the Aussie (11′).
Lyon’s efforts were not rewarded and the reigning French champions increasingly engaged in duels like Kadeisha Buchanan who hit Baltimore who fell on her coach (19′).
If Lyon dominated, the opportunities were for PSG. A few minutes later, Bruun served Diani in the interval, who crosses for Bachmann whose strike is repelled (22′).
Paris’ defence, led by Irene Paredes, was excellent and Lyon struggled to find the net, being able to be satisfied only with free-kicks and corner-kicks. Catarina Macario found Amandine Henry (36′) but the French international didn’t worry Christiane Endler.
Paris responded immediately and Diani took advantage of a potentially fatal Carpenter replacement mistake (38′). The Australian was in difficulty defensively. At halftime, Lyon had dominated but Paris had the best opportunities.
The second half started like the first one with a lot of physical impact and fouls. Selma Bacha, Buchanan, and Signe Bruun paid the price (55′). PSG took advantage of OL on their weak times to be dangerous. On a corner, Bruun missed the goal in the 62nd and gave way to Jordyn Huitema.
Paris would probably have the golden goal when Diani crossed for Baltimore. But Sarah Bouhaddi saved Lyon with a remarkable aerial outing (66′).
Lyon, unable to score, sent out Sakina Karchaoui for Saki Kumagai and Delphine Cascarino for Melvine Malard while Paulina Dudek gave way to Alana Cook (73′).
Ellie Carpenter was replaced by Janice Cayman at the (78′) then Nadia Nadim entered in place of Ramona Bachmann (80′). With plenty of defensive largesse, the Australian unfortunately missed out on her game.
By not losing this match, Paris stay ahead of OL with a round remaining before the end of the season. PSG will face Dijon (8th) and Lyon will face Fleury (9th). A match that should be a formality for both teams.
Paris is about to put an end to 14 years of Lyon’s domination in France.
Post-game reactions
Sonia Bompastor (OL Coach):
“There is a lot of disappointment. We lacked ingredients. We had to win. We were not able to do it. Offensively, we lacked control, technical accuracy. We needed more presence in the box.”
“The idea was to put the Parisian side in difficulty by playing behind their backs. We saw a few situations but it was not enough. The players gave what they could give tonight on the physical and mental levels. “
“We were pretty solid defensively although PSG had a few chances. My players lived up to expectations. We know Ada Hegerberg’s qualities. She could have done us good. But other players are also missing.”
“Obviously disappointed because we started this match to win. PSG is a great team that defends very well. They are aggressive. It did not work for us today. It is just like our season. There’s work to do.”
“Tonight, we had to play tight. We put a lot of pressure. We lacked support for the recovery of the ball. We have a squad of competitive players. It’s a whole group that failed tonight.”
Janice Cayman:
“We were well in place defensively. We missed real opportunities. Paris was solid. We gave everything. We have to win against Fleury. We will see the result of Paris against Dijon.”
