Benfica’s women’s team still dreamed when they were beating Lyon, but conceded the turnaround and lost 2-1 in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals, at Estádio da Luz.
Benfica had an excellent start to the match and managed, at certain moments in the first quarter of an hour, to outperform the French, with prolonged possession of the ball and dangerous approaches to the opposite area.
The first sign of danger for the Reds was in the seventh minute, when Andrea Falcón hit the post, following a shot that was still saved by Christiane Endler.
After the Reds’ promising start, and when Nycole Raysla had already left the pitch due to injury, Lyon took control of the game and threatened to open the scoring. However, Benfica managed to keep the goal to zero, largely thanks to the security shown by Lena Pauels.
In the final stretch of the first half, Filipa Patão’s team scored. Andreia Faria anticipated Vanessa Gilles’ mistake, intercepted the pass from the French center to her teammate and was left with several meters to run towards the goal. Once inside the area, the Benfica midfielder defined it accurately and there was an explosion of joy in Luz.
Just before the break, Benfica’s pressure on Gilles had its effect once again, but this time Chandra Davidson rushed forward and, instead of serving Kika Nazareth, who was in good condition to finish, he advanced for the shot, which came with little. strength.
In the second half, the French champions imposed their status and showed that they are on another level, especially with regard to the physical aspect. Not even the changes that Filipa Patão made, in order to refresh the team, were able to contain Lyon’s higher pace.
Shortly after the hour mark, French dominance translated into a goal. After a play on the right flank by Carpenter and Dumornay’s heel deflection in the area, Delphine Cascarino scored the equalizer.
Benfica allowed a lot of space in defense and had difficulty controlling the attacks of the team led by Sonia Bompastor, who completed the turnaround in the 79th minute, when Sara Däbritz appeared at ease in the area and headed the goal.
In the final stretch, Lyon tried to extend their advantage, even to try to resolve the tie, while Benfica revealed an inability to reach the final third. Still, the Reds bring a result to France that is possible – although difficult – to reverse.
[IMAGENS VÍDEO TVI/ELEVEN]
