When you are trying to reverse the course of history, that of Lyon's tireless domination characterized by eight Champions League crowns, it is better not to miss the start of the match. Sunday April 28, at the Parc des Princes, the PSG players, beaten 3-2 in the first leg, started this Champions League semi-final return with an additional handicap.
Trailing after three minutes of play on a goal from Selma Bacha, they managed to equalize before the break through Tabitha Chawinga but missed their second period, losing to a second goal from the Haitian Melchie Dumornay (2-1 ).
Despite the constant support of their ultra collective (CUP), the main force behind an audience of 30,000 spectators, PSG failed to qualify for a third European final (2015 and 2017). “There is disappointment. The start of the match does not help us, we immediately put ourselves in a difficult situation,” reacted PSG coach Jocelyn Prêcheur. OL will play their eleventh final on May 25 in Bilbao (Spain), against FC Barcelona.
Eight times winners of the competition, the OL players are not satisfied. From the start of the match, they imposed a high intensity on their rivals. Following a corner played between Selma Bacha and Melchie Dumornay, the Haitian handed it to the Lyon side, who took her chance and deceived Constance Picaud with a sudden strike at the near post (3rd, 1-0).
The French international deserves her nickname “Brutus” for her passion and aggressiveness, she who runs everywhere and does not hesitate to chase her opponents away from her left side. “We wanted to continue with our last minutes of the first leg, we wanted to start strong and make it happen from the start,” said Lyon coach Sonia Bompastor.
Several break points
Once the backlash has been digested, the Parisiennes finally enter this big meeting but now two goals behind. Despite a few threatening situations and greater control of the ball, Joselyn Prêcheur's players failed to create real chances. As illustrated by this cross from Sakina Karchaoui on which OL defender Vanessa Gilles intervenes at the half-hour mark.
On the contrary, it is the visitors who obtain several break points. A bit like PSG eight days ago, OL lacked precision, as when Dumornay poorly negotiated his back pass to Daniëlle van de Donk in the middle of the penalty area (28th).
Or luck following a counter carried out at a hundred miles an hour by Delphine Cascarino, who deposited Thiniba Samoura and whose center was deflected by Jade Le Guilly. At the cost of a reflex save, Constance Picaud avoids Lyon's second goal (35th).
Pretty good so far, Melchie Dumornay makes a bad pass in midfield. Discreet from the start, Marie-Antoinette Katoto finds Tabitha Chawinga unbearable. The Malawi striker stares at Vanessa Gilles and hits between the Canadian's legs. Chilean goalkeeper Christiane Endler was powerless in the Parisian equalizer (41st, 1-1).
Instead of taking advantage of the momentum, PSG struggled to exist after the locker room. On the contrary, OL came very close to a second goal on several occasions. Their clumsiness and good saves from Constance Picaud saved the locals from the worst. Each time, Melchie Dumornay is omnipresent on the occasions. She leaves alone and stumbles against the Parisian goalkeeper (52nd), then her powerful shot is stopped at point blank range by Picaud, following a defensive error by Gaetino (65th).
Barcelona title holders
PSG coach Jocelyn Prêcheur then tried everything by removing one of his five defenders, Le Guilly, to bring in the Danish attacker, Amalie Vangsgaard (73rd). Very active, Lyon striker Kadidiatou Diani is replaced by Vicky Becho, comfortable in a super-replacement role that her coach Sonia Bompastor often gives her.
The fate of this fierce confrontation seems to be able to swing one way or the other. Paris only needs one goal to get back into a tie. Ultimately it is the force of habit that wins.
Excellent but imprecise, Lyonnaise Melchie Dumornay finally manages to be decisive. The center of the new entrant, Vicky Becho, is intelligently stored by Majri for the Haitian who does not tremble by scoring the second goal with the flat of her foot (81st, 2-1). “Melchie is a world-class player,” Bompastor analyzes. She has enormous talent. She does a lot of good for a team. »
Last burst of PSG to hope for an express comeback. Sakina Karchaoui's rush is interrupted at the last minute by a thunderous return from Selma Bacha (88th), who can, two minutes later, enjoy a well-deserved rest, replaced by Perle Morroni.
The Parisiennes are still competing in two competitions: the Coupe de France and Division 1, which is played in the new play-off format. “We will focus on this Cup final against Fleury [on May 4], hopes Prêcheur. And I hope that we will have the opportunity to play Olympique Lyonnais again in the play-off final [on May 17 if both clubs qualify]. »
In the Basque Country, in a month, the Lyonnaises hope to regain their European crown from Barcelona, the title holders and whose backbone is world champion with Spain. “These are two great teams, two great clubs,” says the Rhone coach. We still have time to prepare for Barcelona. I hope it will be a great final for the development of our football. » A hell of a challenge for the “Real Madrid” of women’s football.
