A courageous Paris lose in Lyon

It's one of the biggest rivalries in women's football, not only in France but also in Europe. After qualifying brilliantly for the final four, the Parisians were once again destined to cross paths with Lyon. For this first meeting at the Parc OL, Jocelyn Prêcheur fielded his fiery Baltimore-Katoto-Chawinga attacking trio, supported by a skilful midfield of Groenen, Albert and captain Geyoro.

The atmosphere at OL Stadium was electric from the very start. With their feet firmly on the ground, the Parisians took control and had the first chance of the first leg. Picked out by Tabitha Chawinga on the left, Sakina Karchaoui managed a first-time cross that almost fell at the feet of partner in crime Chawinga (3'). With chances coming and going, it fell to Lyon's Delphine Cascarino to rattle the Paris defence with a long-range effort that flew just over (7'). The tone was set! The Parisians continued their efforts, with Chawinga crossing nicely (14') and Groenen's conjuring a wonderful lobbed pass to Katoto (22').

Chances were rife at both ends of the pitch in this fast-paced encounter. And before the half-hour mark, Paris goalkeeper Constance Picaud saved her side's blushes. turning a crazy missile from Egurrola wide (25') with what was undoubtedly one of the finest saves of the first half! Well into her stride, she made two further decisive saves from Horan (30') and Cascarino (38').

But the Parisians never wavered and their will to win was rewarded. From Geyoro's cross, Katoto took advantage of Carpenter's clumsiness to slot home for the opening goal (0-1, 44'). Fox in the box par excellence! Thanks to a string of saves from Picaud and the accuracy of our No.9, Paris were ahead at the break.

After the restart, Paris Saint-Germain kept up their momentum and, following a deflected shot from Chawinga, Katoto picked up the ball and fired home to make it 0-2 (48'). Katoto at the double! It was enough to give Lyon serious doubts, and they made a number of changes in the process.

Lyon made every effort to get back on level terms, with Wendie Renard going close with a header (59'), but Constance Picaud was firing on all cylinders. After a spell of brilliance from the home side, Katoto went close to a hat-trick, but the Lyon goalkeeper played spoiler (70'). Not about to give up, Lyon continued to create chances and they reduced the deficit when Kadidiatou Diani struck with an angled shot (1-2, 80'). Lyon fought on and equalised through Dumornay's missile (2-2, 85'), before Majri's goal (3-2, 86') turned the game on its head.

Paris went down 3-2 at the end of a game that was - for the most part - well-controlled, which leaves plenty of hope in the tie. The return leg takes place next weekend at the Parc des Princes at 16:00. Before that, the Parisians will play a derby against Paris FC at the Campus PSG on Wednesday 24 April.

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