2024-11-03 16:17:00
OL has regained its first place in the hierarchy of French women’s football. Two points behind PSG before their reunion this Sunday, November 3, the Rhone club now has a one-point lead after its victory against the capital club (1-0). Their last opposition in May had already turned in favor of Lyon, winner of the championship final (2-1).
Sunday, during the 6e day of Division 1, the reigning champion did not doubt for long during the reunion between the two reference teams of the women’s elite. But the narrow score does not reflect the abysmal difference in level on the pitch of Parc OL (Décines-Charpieu) filled with around 15,000 spectators in the stands.
The club of American businesswoman Michele Kang created an incredible number of scoring chances – just under twenty, including eight in the first half. Among the most notable, a cross shot and a header on the post respectively by Kadidiatou Diani and Damaris Egurrola, or an improbable miss a few meters from the opposing goal by Haitian striker Melchie Dumornay, although excellent during this display .
New Australian coach Joe Montemurro’s team only converted one thanks to Malawian striker Tabitha Chawinga. Voted best player in the championship last season under the colors of PSG, she left her ex-teammates no chance by shooting her ball over goalkeeper Mary Earps (27e). However, the Lyonnaises’ domination was total, monopolizing the ball most of the time and accelerating when they seemed to want to.
“We can do better at finishing, we must score more goals, noted OL goalkeeper Christiane Endler, a privileged observer of the ineffectiveness of her teammates. During the last match [0-0 contre le Paris FC]we had the same problem and we had not managed to score. We still have to work. »
PSG’s cautious tactics
Overwhelmed and powerless, the Parisiennes never weighed in on the meeting. PSG’s only action came a minute earlier when American Korbin Albert took an off-center ball from distance, forcing Christiane Endler into a spectacular save. The numerous absences of major players – Sakina Karchaoui, Griedge Mbock, Lieke Martens, Elisa De Almeida – cannot alone explain PSG’s poor performance.
Fabrice Abriel’s cautious tactics need to be questioned. He also rectified the situation at the break, by bringing in, in place of midfielder Jennifer Echegini, the Bleues scorer Marie-Antoinette Katoto, returning from a slight injury. This change to two attackers did not change much in the influence of the locals.
The elimination in the preliminary round of the Champions League, at the end of September against Juventus, seems to have acted as a kind of shock for the Parisian club, which had not missed the group stage of the European competition since 2017.
PSG now only has the championship – and to a lesser extent the Coupe de France – to save the season. “ We feel that it will be a slightly calmer year. We have to bounce backGrace Geyoro confessed to Agence France-Presse. We have to concentrate on the championship and the Coupe de France and ensure that it is not a bit of a rubbish season. »
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Other concerns disrupted the club internally. The appointment of Fabrice Abriel, in place of Jocelyn Prêcheur in the off-season, would not have been understood by certain players. The former Fleury women’s coach – former professional player for PSG and OM – is already under pressure.
An avalanche of scoring opportunities for OL
On the Lyon side, if efficiency in front of goal raises questions, the integration of coach Montemurro seems to be working. Irregular last season under the orders of Sonia Bompastor, the Rhone team plays well and benefits from a rich squad.
In the second half, the avalanche of scoring opportunities was impressive. Saves from English goalkeeper Mary Earps prevented PSG from sinking. Marie-Antoinette Katoto achieved two miraculous rescues on her line. Failing to have the chance to shine offensively, the French striker also avoided the sinking of her team.
Weakened by injuries, PSG will need the return of its senior players to hope to compete with OL. The play-off formula, inaugurated last season, fuels Parisian hopes of getting back on track before this decisive meeting which will bring together the four best teams of the regular season.
Dominators for twenty years in France, the Lyonnaises will be keen to maintain this national supremacy and reconquer Europe (finalists in 2024). Facing the European champions from Barcelona and the English clubs, the challenge will be more thrilling than French games are too often.
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#Football #winner #PSG #regains #lead #Womens #Division
**Interview with Football Analyst, Marie Lefevre**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Marie. Following OL’s recent victory over PSG, what are your thoughts on the match and the current dynamics in French women’s football?
**Marie Lefevre:** Thank you for having me! The match on November 3rd showcased a clear shift in power within French women’s football. OL’s 1-0 victory over PSG not only secured their top position but also highlighted their dominance on the pitch, particularly given the number of scoring opportunities they created.
**Interviewer:** Yes, the statistics show that OL had almost twenty chances to score! What do you think contributed to that level of play?
**Marie Lefevre:** It’s a combination of factors. Firstly, the new coach Joe Montemurro seems to have reinvigorated the team after a somewhat inconsistent performance last season. The players looked sharp and well-organized. Also, you cannot overlook the quality of individual players like Tabitha Chawinga, who capitalized on the few chances they converted.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of PSG, their performance has come under scrutiny. What do you think has gone wrong for them this season?
**Marie Lefevre:** PSG’s struggles appear to stem from a mix of tactical issues and key player absences. Coach Fabrice Abriel’s cautious approach hasn’t translated into effective attacking play. Their elimination from the Champions League early this season seems to have affected team morale, and they need to bounce back quickly to avoid a lackluster campaign.
**Interviewer:** Christiane Endler, OL’s goalkeeper, mentioned they need to improve their finishing. How significant do you think this is moving forward?
**Marie Lefevre:** It’s crucial. While dominating possession and chances, failing to convert significantly affects match outcomes. Endler’s awareness of this indicates a desire for improvement, which is essential if they want to maintain their competitive edge. Against stronger teams, even a single missed opportunity can be costly.
**Interviewer:** What does this result mean for the upcoming fixtures and the championship?
**Marie Lefevre:** This victory reestablishes Lyon as the leading force. For PSG, it’s about regrouping and capitalizing on their remaining fixtures to salvage the season. The competition is tight, and each match will be critical for both clubs as they vie for the title and seek to avoid further disappointments.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Marie, for your insights. It promises to be an exciting season ahead in women’s football!
**Marie Lefevre:** My pleasure! I’m looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds.
