Juventus Women's Champions League run ended after a goalless draw at Olympique Lyonnais in the final matchday. The Bianconere needed all three points to progress to the last-8 but despite holding their own against the European Champions they couldn't find the precious goal that could have seen them through.
Joe Montemurro's side bow out of Europe at the group phase even though they remained unbeaten both home and away against Lyon, the eight time European winners.
THE MATCH
The opening minutes showed that Juve were in no mood to stand off their illustrious opponents. The Bianconere were organised and efficient, denying Lyon space. The hosts, meanwhile, also did not want to get caught out, making sure there was always cover in midfield.
Neither side was willing to give their opponents an inch. The opening exchanges set the tone for the remainder of the match.
Both sides forced a couple of corners each, but not one produced a goal scoring opportunity. In fact the only shot on target of note in the first half was a Eugenie Le Sommer effort on 26 minutes, which did not cause Pauline Peyraud-Magnin any cause for concern. The same striker had also screwed an earlier chance off target, while midfielder Dzsenifer Marozsan had struck a vicious drive over the bar from the edge of the area.
At the other end Christine Endler intercepted everyting that was thrown into her vicinity. With neither goalkeeper seriously tested in the opening 45 minutes, Juventus something had to change in the second half.
A goal was needed.
Although neither side altered their tactics at the start of the second half, there were chances for both teams, especially the hosts.
10 minutes after the restart, Le Sommer forced the first real save of the match with a glancing header which Peyraud-Magnin tipped wide at full stretch.
Immediately after, Lyon had another opportunity. Delphine Casacarino was picked out inside the penalty area, avoiding the offside trap. The winger’s first shot was blocked from close range, the ball rebounded to the number 20, who blasted the second chance over the crossbar.
At the other end, Juventus failed to penetrate the Lyon defence, although Beerensteyn had a shot from distance that called Endler into a save.
Into the final 15 minutes, both Arianna Caruso, from the edge of the area, and Cristiana Girelli, with an acrobatic back-heel volley, saw their efforts go off target as Juve tried in vain to make the breakthrough.
Even with four minutes of time added on, the Bianconere couldn’t find the touch of magic to get in behind the home defence and the match finished goalless, ending Juve’s European adventure this campaign.
The Bianconere exited with their heads held high, having lost just one of their six group matches.