26 October 2022
Only a few months have passed since Juventus last hosted Lyon at the Allianz Stadium. The two teams go head on again on Thursday 27 October at 18.45 CEST in the second match of the Champions League group stage.
It is impossible not to cast one's mind back to that emotional night on March 23 in the first leg of the quarter-finals of the Champions League 2021-22.
STARTING XI (& OTHERS)
Peyraud-Magnin; Lundorf, Gama, Sembrant, Boattin; Rosucci, Pedersen, Grosso; Hurtig, Girelli, Cernoia. These were the 11 players chosen by Joe Montemurro to face Olympique Lyonnais. Together with them there were all the girls on the bench - and one in particular would prove to be decisive - plus the push of the Allianz Stadium for a match that had been described as out of reach for the Bianconere.
Instead, it turned out to be a night to remember.
OUT OF THE STARTING GATES
No club can match Lyon's experience in the Champions League.
The most successful team in the competition arrived at the Allianz with seven titles to their name, although they had been ousted the previous season by Barcelona. Juventus, meanwhile, had reached the quarter-finals for the first time.
Experience made the difference at the start as Macario gave the French outfit the lead after just eight minutes.
ON THE ROPES
The first half of the game ws complicated. Lyon have several opportunities to double their lead. In fact, they did find the net through Melvine Malard but her effort was disallowed for offside.
Juve buckled down, gritted their teeth and did well to stay in touch in the game.
LEVEL TERMS
The picture changed completely on the hour. The guests were reduced to 10 after the expulsion of Ellie Carpenter. Juve up their pressing game and 10 minutes later reaped the fruits.
Scoring the equaliser was Cristiana Girelli, who pounced without remorse on a mistake by the opposition defence.
FIRST TOUCH
With nine minutes remaining on the clock, Agnese Bonfantini was thrown into the action. The winger's impact was immediate.
Her first touch was to slot the ball home after being sent through on goal by Arianna Caruso.
It proved to be the winner on a night when the Bianconere hit their Champions Leagu high, defeating Europe's finest.
