2024-11-20 07:00:00
Lyon hopes to win against AS Rome on Wednesday at Groupama Stadium (9 p.m.) during the 4th day of the Champions League in order to ensure their qualification for the quarter-finals of the event and is counting on its defense to achieve this. impermeable.
The “most important match before the break”
In the first leg, on November 13, against the Romaines, the Lyonnaises won 3-0 and took first place in group A with three points ahead of the Italian team.
A victory this time will allow them to be certain of appearing in the Top 8 for the sixteenth time in their history, two days before the end of the first phase.
“We can already ensure qualification so it’s a big match, undoubtedly the most important before the break,” concedes OL coach Joe Montemurro.
To obtain this performance, Olympique Lyonnais can rely on an iron defense, which has not conceded a goal in ten matches, which must nevertheless be put into perspective with the value of the opponents, particularly on the national level.
Defensive DNA
“It’s pleasant because we score a lot of goals and we don’t concede any,” rejoiced Amel Majri after OL’s victory against Saint-Etienne (11-0) on November 16.
Already, on November 9, Lyon won 8-0 at Guingamp in a Premier League in which the Rhone club is undefeated leader with seven wins and one draw (39 goals scored for two goals conceded this season). It was against Fleury (6-2), at the opening of the championship, on September 20, a clean sheet for 944 minutes.
Wednesday in Rome, Vanessa Gilles, who scored Lyon’s third goal, underlined “the importance of scoring but also that of ‘clean sheets'”, that is to say not conceding a goal.
“It’s something that shows the character of the team, not just the defense. It’s in our DNA and we are very proud of it,” insisted the Canadian international center back.
Horan with the baton
“We are not only focused on the defensive aspect, but also on our ability to win balls in decisive areas where we can immediately attack,” said Joe Montemurro.
In fact, defensive solidity allows, as always, to attack well, which can benefit in particular from the American Lindsay Horan, in great form this fall after being Olympic champion with the United States this summer in Paris.
She scored four more times against Saint-Etienne on Saturday in the league, for the first quadruple of her career. “My goal is to be more decisive this season,” underlined the midfielder who has just scored ten goals in nine matches in all competitions including nine in six days of the French championship. That’s three more than his total from last season.
1732092932
#Soccer #Womens #Champions #League #Lyon #aiming #quarters #Rome
How does Coach Montemurro plan to use the experience from the first leg victory to influence the team’s approach in the upcoming match?
**Interview with Joe Montemurro, Coach of Olympique Lyonnais**
*Reporter*: Thank you for joining us today, Coach Montemurro. As you prepare for the crucial Champions League match against AS Roma on Wednesday, how are the players feeling ahead of such an important game?
*Joe Montemurro*: The atmosphere in the squad is electric. We know what’s at stake – a win would secure our place in the quarter-finals, which is a fantastic opportunity for us. The players are focused and excited, and we’re all looking forward to the challenge.
*Reporter*: You mentioned this match as the “most important before the break.” Can you elaborate on why this game holds such significance?
*Joe Montemurro*: Absolutely. Securing our qualification early is crucial, especially with the intensity of fixtures leading into the holiday season. It allows us to approach the remaining matches with confidence and gives us room to manage player fatigue and injuries. It’s about building momentum, and this match will be pivotal for that.
*Reporter*: Your team boasts an impressive defensive record, having not conceded a goal in the last ten matches. How do you plan to maintain that form against a strong team like AS Roma?
*Joe Montemurro*: Our defensive solidity is a foundation for our team’s success. We’ve been working hard on our positioning and communication, which has paid off. However, we’re aware that Roma presents a different challenge. We’ll need to stay disciplined and focused throughout the match while also being ready to capitalize on any offensive opportunities.
*Reporter*: You secured a convincing 3-0 victory in the first leg against Roma. How will that past performance influence your strategy for Wednesday’s match?
*Joe Montemurro*: While a win is encouraging, we understand that each game is different. Roma will come at us with adjustments, and we have to be ready for that. We can’t be complacent; instead, we’ll build on our previous performance and learn from it. We’ve analyzed their strengths and weaknesses, and we’ll be looking to exploit any gaps while respecting their capabilities.
*Reporter*: Lastly, what message do you have for the fans as you prepare for this crucial encounter at Groupama Stadium?
*Joe Montemurro*: I want to thank our fans for their unwavering support. Their presence means a lot to the team, especially in big matches like this. We’re aiming for a strong performance that not only honors their support but also puts us in a great position to advance in the tournament. Together, we can achieve this!
*Reporter*: Thank you, Coach Montemurro. Best of luck for the match on Wednesday!
*Joe Montemurro*: Thank you! We’re looking forward to it.
