Team Summary
The undisputed Queens of Europe, Olympique Lyonnais are synonymous with this competition. Record winners both in Europe and domestically, their entire squad is littered with world-class players and international superstars.
After a disappointing last-eight exit on penalties against Chelsea last season, Sonia Bompastor’s side will be determined to return to the pinnacle and retake their spot on the throne as the dominant force in women’s football.
Road to the Knockouts
A kind group stage draw ensured it was always going to be a matter of when, not if regarding Lyon’s participation in the knockout stages. They thrashed Slavia Prague on the opening night, notching nine goals, before confidently beating St. Pölten at the Groupama on Matchday 2.
A 3-1 win at home to SK Brann was followed by a shock 2-2 draw in Norway in snowy conditions, but another heavy away drubbing, this time inflicted on St. Pölten who were battered 7-0 meant they could cruise in the knockouts. However, a disappointing late draw with Slavia Prague on the final matchday was another surprise blot on the copybook.
Key Player: Ada Hegerberg
After several years of struggling with injury, the Norway legend is finally back to full fitness and unsurprisingly, the goals are flowing once again. Hegerberg’s ability to manipulate the ball is second-to-none and it is matched solely by her incredible ability in front of goal. Hegerberg has already scored over 250 goals for Les Fenottes and has collected almost every single prize there is to win at club level: Ballon D’Or, Europe’s Best Player, UWCL Final Player of the Match… the list goes on.
The calm composure and dexterity that Hegerberg shows means that she is capable of scoring all sorts of goals. Acrobatic finishes, sneaky near-post shots, long-range screamers, composed efforts on the left and right, close-range tap-in and even the odd effort bundled over the line. Like all great goalscorers, she is never satisfied with one and more often than not, she gets two, three or even more.
With 59 goals in the competition, she is already the top scorer in the competition’s history and you wouldn’t be surprised if she becomes the first player to score 100 times in the competition. Despite the disrupted recent seasons due to injuries, she is just 28 and could well be entering her prime, which could be terrifying for opponents, and a delight for her teammates.
Tactical Insight
Lyon possesses rare depth and quality that allows them to put out two different XIs and still name world-class players in every position. Even in her twilight years, Christine Endler remains one of the best goalkeepers around. Although legendary club captain Wendie Renard is expected to be absent, the fearsome pairing of Griedge Mbock and Vanessa Gilles is still one of supreme quality at the back and forms a brick wall for opposing defences. This composure allows full-backs Ellie Carpenter and Selma Bacha to rampage up and down the wings, completely trapping teams in.
Midfield dominance has been synonymous with OL for the last decade and despite Amandine Henry’s absence, the excellent Sara Däbritz has stepped up to a new level this season in dictating and controlling play. Danielle Van de Donk, Dzsenifer Marozsán, Damaris Eggurola and Lindsey Horan will all be vying to play alongside her in a fluid and attacking midfield, that often finds itself pushing into the box to try and grab decisive and key goals.
The attack is where Lyon moves to an absolute another level. Having already snatched PSG star Kadidiatou Diani to play off the right, the left side could be filled by French legend Eugenie Le Sommer, starlet Vicki Becho, Haitian wunderkind Melchie Dumornay, or superstar attacker Delphine Cascarino. Alongside the indomitable Hegerberg, they can simply just blow teams away in a matter of minutes with this star-studded assault.
Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
Christine Endler
Ellie Carpenter-Griedge Mbock-Vanessa Gilles-Selma Bacha
Sara Däbritz
Danielle Van de Donk-Dzsenifer Marozsán
Kadidiatou Diani-Ada Hegerberg-Delphine Cascarino
Future Star: Vicki Becho
With one goal already in the UWCL this season, the sky's the limit for the Parisian-born striker. Becho has managed to already ensconce herself in the Lyon side and not look out of place, which is an incredible compliment for someone who is just 20. Playing alongside such stellar names might cause some attackers to shrink, but Becho has not just survived but is thriving.
Although she isn’t necessarily scoring as frequently as she would like at the moment, she is showing her ability to be productive in the attack, with 4 assists in the league already, despite limited minutes and opportunities. Her pace and skill make her an excellent option off the bench for Bompastor if she wants an injection of quality too.
As Becho continues to make more appearances and learn her craft, she is developing into a quality young attacker for her club and also for France.
Watch Benfica vs Lyon in the UEFA Women’s Champions League live for free on DAZN.