Champions League
Lyon Cruise Past Benfica To Secure Women’s Champions League Semi-Final
Lyon displayed their dominance in women’s football by securing a convincing 4-1 victory over Benfica at the Groupama Stadium to advance to the semi-finals of the Women’s Champions League.
The first half saw Lyon creating numerous scoring opportunities but struggling to break through Benfica’s defense until Cascarino opened the scoring with a well-taken goal in the 43rd minute. However, Benfica quickly responded with a goal from Marie-Yasmine Alidou, keeping the tie finely balanced.
After the halftime break, Lyon made two crucial changes that paid off immediately. Cascarino doubled her tally with a stunning individual effort, displaying her skill & composure as she drove forward & unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box. This goal gave Lyon a two-goal aggregate advantage & shifted the momentum firmly in their favor.
As the match progressed, Lyon continued to press forward, with Diani sealing the victory with a late goal in added time. The margin of victory was further extended when a deflected shot from Diani found the back of the net off a Benfica defender, solidifying Lyon’s place in the semi-finals.
The match was a display of Lyon’s attacking abilities & resilience, with players like Cascarino and Diani stepping up to deliver crucial goals when it mattered most. Despite Benfica’s efforts to stay in the game, Lyon’s quality ultimately proved too much to handle.
Looking ahead, Lyon will now prepare to face either Swedish side Hacken or Paris St-Germain in the semi-finals, with the French side holding a 2-1 lead after the first leg of their quarter-final tie.
