OL Féminin are on the brink of a fourth straight UEFA Women’s Champions League title, a feat unseen in either the men’s or women’s game since Real Madrid swept the first five men’s titles to close out the 1950s. A star-studded showdown with FC Barcelona awaits. But do les Fenottes have enough left in the tank to bring the treble back to Lyon?
With just days to go before the big show, we’re checking in on how the teams got here, key storylines, and players to watch.
Forget the television phenomenon–the most stressful battles of the year will be happening on the pitch, as OL Féminin attempt to defend their European hegemony against a Barcelona squad somehow playing the role of plucky underdog. Meanwhile, the men are fighting for a Champions League berth without some important defensive stalwarts. Sam (@OZOL1950), Arianna (@AScavs), and Nick (@NicholasMamo) break down the battle plans as we head toward the season finales.
Have a listen below! You will also find timestamps for specific topics if you’d like to jump around. If there are any topics you’d like us to cover, just tweet at any one of us, or you can send an email to LyonOffside@gmail.com.
Champions League football is back in town. Almost ten years to the day since Lyon last welcomed Barcelona, the two meet again for the Round of 16. This time round, there will be no Juninho-esque saving grace, but 11 lions nonetheless.
One year is long – far too long – to be out of the Champions League. Fans have to settle for Thursday night football, players look to move away for more glamorous nights, and most importantly, Olympique Lyonnais’ coffers weep quietly.
It’s fair to say that Lady Luck has smiled upon Lyon in recent Champions League campaigns, though in true Lyonnais fashion, they struggled to capitalize. This time, the draws brought mixed fortunes for Genesio’s side.
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