27 October 2022
Juventus Women came from behind to collect a point against Lyon in Matchday 2 of the Champions League. The defending champions took the lead on 23 minutes through Lindsey Horan but the Bianconere stood firm and drew level in 52 minutes when Melvine Malard turned a Barbara Bonansea cross into her own net.
A point each keeps Juve three points ahead of the French side, with the group wide open.
THE MATCH
Following the heaviest ever defeat for UWCL defending champions in Matchday 1, Lyon had a point to prove and started the match strongly. Juventus looked to absorb the pressure and did so without conceding a clear sight on goal to the European champions.
That was until a long ball played from the back by Wendie Renard on 23 minutes picked out the run of Lindsey Horan. The midfielder managed to control the pass and avoid the challenge from Pauline Peyraud-Magnin, who, sensing the danger, had raced off her line. The US international completed the move by placing the ball into the unguarded net.
Leading the charge for Juve were Barbara Bonansea and Lineth Beerensteyn, whose constant running and pressing was causing Lyon cause for concern. Following the wingers' lead, Juventus grew in stature as the first half progressed.
In the closing minutes both Cristiana Girelli and Bonansea had chances. First the number 10’s header flashed wide before Bonansea from an interesting position at the edge of the box fired her shot beyond the far post.
Proof that Juve were still in the contest.
The Bianconere came out after the break intent on drawing level. On 49’ Julia Grosso struck a fierce drive which went agonisingly close to sneaking in at the far post.
From a corner only partially cleared, Juve’s pressure paid off. Bonansea teased the visitor’s defence and her cross was turned into her own net by Melvine Malard.
Although the script was written to repeat last season’s comeback victory, this time around Juve had to settle for a share of the spoils. The nearest to the game’s third goal came from a miss-hit cross by Amandine Henry that struck the top of the crossbar.
Lyon pushed forward in search of a winner but Juventus held firm to collect an important point against the European champions.
POST-MATCH COMMENTS
JOE MONTEMURRO
"We could have done more because we allowed Lyon to enter the game, but in the end we've taken home a point against the strongest team in the world. This group is complicated, with many strong teams, and it is for this reason that today we would have liked to take home all three points. It was an intense match, in a busy period, therefore it is right to give proper value to this draw."
BARBARA BONANSEA
"We played a good match, but still left the pitch a bit disappointed because the feeling was we could have won it too. Overall, I think we played well, also thanks to the contribution of the subs, bringing fresh legs to our game. In the end, however, we must be satisfied because we drew with the reigning European champions. Now we must shift our focus the next match in the league against Fiorentina. We leave this game with even more awareness in our ability as we showed great personality. Furthermore, playing at the Allianz Stadium is an important added value. As a Juventus player it's always exciting to play in a splendid stadium like this one."
JULIA GROSSO
"I think that tonight we collected an important point, a draw that feeds our confidence ahead of the next games. It is clear that there is a bit of regret because once we drew level we would have liked to have go on and taken the three points, but we have given continuity to the victory against Zurich. We must continue like this, with the aim of getting better game after game."
CECILIA SALVAI
"With more of a mean streak, we perhaps could have been on six points in the standings at the moment. A win and a draw are a good starting point for the next four games. We arrived a little tired at this appointment, but the Champions League manages to make us pull out more energy. For me, returning to the field at the Allianz Stadium was great after almost a year from the last time. The feelings are positive and I am proud of all my companions."
JUVENTUS 1-1 OLYMPIQUE LYONNAIS (HT: 0-1)
SCORERS: 23’ Horan (OL), 51’ Malard O.G.
JUVENTUS: Peyraud-Magnin; Lenzini (77′ Nilden), Salvai, Sembrant, Boattin; Gunnarsdottir (69′ Caruso), Pedersen (87′ Cantore), Grosso; Bonansea (69′ Bonfantini), Girelli, Beerensteyn (69′ Cernoia). Subs not used: Aprile, Forcinella, Lundorf, Duljan, Gama, Zamanian, Rosucci. Coach: Montemurro.
LYON: Endler; Bacha, Renard, Henry, Cayman; Horan, Egurrola (41′ Sombath), Van de Donk; Cascarino (82′ Morroni), Malard, Le Sommer (66′ Bruun). Subs not used: Paljevic, Holmgren, Jaurena, Gilles, Benyahia, Becho, Mendy. Coach: Bompastor.
Referee: Huerta de Aza
BOOKINGS: 21’ Egurrola (OL), 9′ Bruun (OL), 81′ Bacha (OL).
