Olympique Lyonnais won (3-0) this afternoon against Paris Saint-Germain in the advanced match of the 21st day. A match that launched the series of three games between the two teams, with in the coming days the finals of the Coupe de France and the Champions League where Lyon and Paris will meet again.


What is the significance of this match? On paper, Lyon are already assured of the title this season in D1 and a defeat of Paris could precipitate the qualification of Montpellier for the Champions League next season, but who could still believe in a reversal of situation on this side?


A match for nothing?


The players had spoken before this match of a psychological dimension, taking the ascendancy in this meeting could mean a benefit for the next two matches where this time there will be trophies at stake. On the side of the team compositions, we were close to the standard teams aligned by the two coaches in recent weeks, including the offensive trio Hegerberg / Le Sommer / Morgan side Lyon.


Patrice Lair had made the choice to line up a team with a defense to three, and Ashley Lawrence positioned in the left lane while Eve Perisset started on the bench. A team composition that went with a different start to the first leg in December. Quickly in the meeting, we observe a Parisian team that does not just defend in his camp and evolve with a low defensive block. Only one true defensive midfielder with Formiga (Grace Geyoro was positioned in central defense) and a willingness to fetch the ball from the opposing side.


We find in these first minutes the qualities of Paris in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona with a trio in the middle can interfere with the construction of the game Lyon and sometimes manage to chain passes in small spaces. These intentions, this desire to play high delays the start of the Lyon players. But quickly, Lyon will manage to return the favor to PSG.


A ball recovered in the 30 meters Paris, and Saki Kumagai serves Eugénie Le Sommer at the edge of the surface right side. Back to the goal, she manages to play Irene Paredes by turning, then to put in the wind Laura George on a feint of body. Paredes seems to be able to take the attacker Lyon, but Le Sommer manages to hit the goal and deceive Kiedrzynek on his right (13th).


An opening score in the first quarter of an hour, so we are far from the scenario of the first leg. A trend that will be confirmed with two new Lyon goals scored before half an hour of play.


Already seen


As Lyon manages to develop its game, this game in OL Park seems to recall another, played a year ago in this same forum. A different match, but Lyon relies on the same solutions as in this brilliant 7-0 against Paris last season. The players of Patrice Lair seek to press high the Lyonnaises and are taken in their backs by the long balls coming from behind and looking for the attackers to the limit of the offside. Sometimes the attackers of the OL are taken in illicit position, but sometimes it is the players of Gérard Prêcheur who have the last word.


In the 27th minute, Ada Hegerberg is served on one of these long balls. Alone with Paredes, she sees the call of Eugénie Le Sommer right side. Served, Le Sommer progresses into the Parisian area and gives the ball to Hegerberg who can quietly conclude the flat foot. A minute later, Paris accuses the blow. From the 18 meters, Abily serves Le Sommer in the right side surface. His center finds Alex Morgan at the far post that comes close the door and deceive Kiedrzynek a left foot (28th).


Paris has played and is already trapped after less than half an hour of play. A way to be convinced that it will be less entrepreneurial next Friday? What is certain is that by agreeing to open the game and go to Lyon in his own camp, Paris did not take long on the defensive. Difficulties that Patrice Lair responds by Veronica Boquete out of the 37th minute to bring in Eve Perisset.

Win the match / lose Alex Morgan: the two halves of Lyon's glass


Paris outperformed in this first period, but the biggest blow may be for Lyon with the exit on injury of Alex Morgan in the 40th minute. As the offensive trio from Lyon began to give full measure, the US striker is forced out after a hamstring pain. An injury that could deprive the two finals with OL at the end of the season.


The second period of the match is less rich in opportunities. Lyon relies on the same revenue against a Parisian team necessarily more vigilant but at the same time fails to create the danger in the opposing area, even on a few set pieces that PSG is created in the Lyon camp . In the end, no goal scored in this second period and very few real opportunities as if the two teams were ready to stay there until their next meeting on Friday night in Vannes for the final of the Coupe de France.


With this result, Lyon can somewhere forget the match of December lost to Paris. Doubts, they will remain until the end and Paris retain these chances, let alone with this position of challenger finally so comfortable. Nevertheless, this meeting reminds the PSG that it will be necessary to realize two exploits to hope to remove a trophy. Back to the wall, Paris will need to win the second title in its history and play the Champions League next season.


Photo: S. Guiochon / The Progress