Paris Saint-Germain lost 3-2 at Olympique Lyonnais in the first leg of their UEFA Women's Champions League semi-final. All to play for at the Parc des Princes for the Parisians. A look back at the match.
All eyes were on a match between two of Europe's best, an all-French duel between Paris and Olympique Lyonnais at the Groupama Stadium. Didier Ollé-Nicolle's side were up against a side they know well in the first leg of this UEFA Women's Champions League semi-final. The Paris Saint-Germain coach sent out his side in a 4-3-3, with the Diani-Katoto-Baltimore trio up front, supported by Laurina Fazer, Grace Geyoro and Sara Däbritz in midfield.
On a stage as big as this, one had to expect a very high level of competition. The start of the match quickly attested to this, with hotly contested exchanges and both teams quickly showing their intention to win the game. It was our Parisians who struck first - and in style. Marie-Antoinette Katoto was found in the box by Sara Däbritz, and she deceived Wendie Renard with a superb dribble before unleashing a left-footed cross-shot that hit the target (0-1, 6').
The Lyonnaises fought back to level the scores quickly. Sonia Bompastor's players managed to turn the tide thanks to their ruthless efficiency in front of goal. The first of these was an equaliser from a penalty kick won by Malard and converted by Renard (1-1, 23'). Then, after Hegerberg won the ball back in the Parisian area, Macario scored to reverse the scoreline (2-1, 34'). The lively Macario showed her class again by taking advantage of a mix-up to score Lyon's third goal after the break (3-1, 50').
At this point in the game, the Red and Blue had no alternative: they could not give up in the face of adversity. This is one of the hallmarks of great teams. Showing their strength of character, our Parisians rolled up their sleeves to keep the fight alive in the last half hour of the match.
The persistence paid off, with Marie-Antoinette Katoto proving her importance. The Parisian striker forced Malard into a sudden foul to win a penalty. Paulina Dudek held her nerve to convert it and allow the Parisians to reduce the deficit (3-2, 58')!
From then on, the defences became more and more stretched as fatigue started to take its toll. Lyon might have maintained consistent pressure, but our Parisians faced it with courage and talent. Thanks to excellent work from Ashley Lawrence, the Red and Blue increased the danger on the Lyon goal. This collective strength nearly led to an equaliser, but Grace Geyoro's well-taken shot was disallowed for offside (75'). Despite Didier Ollé-Nicolle's bold decision to throw on the lively Ramona Bachmann the last few minutes of the game, the scoreline did not change.
After this very competitive first leg, the Parisians can be optimistic. They will have to make their own destiny at the Parc des Princes, in front of their fans, next Saturday. The date is set...