By Samindra Kunti
June 2- Lyon were crowned European champions for a record equalling fourth time after edging PSG in a tense women’s Champions League final 7-6 on penalties. The loss means that PSG miss out on European play next season.
Lyon keeper Sarah Bouhaddi struck the winning spot-kick, after PSG stopper Katarzyna Kiedrzynek missed in front of 22,433 at the Cardiff City Stadium. The victory gave Lyon a second straight treble. For PSG it was déjà vu as they had lost after on penalties to Lyon in the French cup final.
“Our girls have the mentality of champions,” said Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas. “They have a vision and a dream and mindset that’s superior to their opponents.”
The defending European champions and their French rivals served up a tight first half, with UEFA president Alexander Ceferin and both clubs’ big wigs Nasser Al-Khelaifi and Aulas in attendance. PSG played in a 3-5-2 formation with Ashley Lawrence and Eve Perisset often dropping deep. The Parisians in their traditional navy kit with a red stripe down the middle made a quick start, trying to force an early goal.
Up front Alex Morgan alternated her position, but in the 23rd minute the American had to be substituted. Lyon’s number 12 had been a doubt before the game with a hamstring injury. Morgan’s future at the club remains in doubt.
“We will do everything to keep her,” said Aulas. “Morgan is very professional and an important player to our team. Our name recognition in the USA has grown. Barcelona are investing in an American team. That is a project for the future [for Lyon].”
Gerard Precheur’s gamble to play Morgan backfired, but in the fast Elodie Thomis he had a handy replacement. PSG dropped deep and lurked on the counter. They were erratic in clearing their lines, but Lyon’s passing in the final third, often with Dzsenifer Marozsan involved, was imprecise. Chances were at a premium and PSG captain Shirley Cruz missed a gilt-edged opportunity in the 32nd minute.
PSG nullified the French champions’ attack and showed their counter-attacking credentials. Lyon lacked creativity, but pushed in the second half with a number of set pieces from Marozsan. With the goal gaping Ada Hegerberg stabbed her attempt wide. Lyon found their rhythm and radiated more confidence. They zipped the ball around and stretched PSG, but Patrice Lair’s team responded after the hour mark with a lightening-quick counterattack which Maire-Laure Delie missed inexplicably.
Marozsan dictated Lyon’s game as PSG remained conservative and cautious with a slow transition when going forward. In the closing stages of regular time the Parisians were out on their feet, defending with eight players behind the ball, but Lyon couldn’t find the quality to score. The two teams knew each other too well and the game of attrition continued in extra time. Spanish star Veronica Boquete made little impact as a sub. The match meandered towards a penalty shoot-out as goalmouth activity remained low.
At 6-6 in the shoot-out PSG’s Kiedrzynek dragged her own kick badly wide. Up stepped opposite number Sara Bouhaddi who converted her spotkick to seal the historic win for Lyon.
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