A CONTINUING LEARNING EXPERIENCE
Regardless of how you view it, this marked our fifth ever Champions League match—excluding qualifiers—and record eight-time champions Lyon might just be the most formidable team to have visited the pitch in Leigh.
Maya Le Tissier expressed in her matchday programme column: “This is what we strive for—measuring ourselves against the best in the game, and Lyon undoubtedly fits that criteria.”
The lineups featured a collection of some of the most renowned names in women’s football. After an hour of play, Jonatan Giraldez turned to the Lyon bench, substituting prestigious forwards Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Kadidiatou Diani for the legendary Ada Hegerberg and the dynamic Chawinga.
Nevertheless, United performed admirably, showing strong defensive resolve. Despite Lyon’s statistical superiority, they managed to limit the visitors’ genuine scoring opportunities. Chawinga’s goal was one of only two shots on target in the first 80 minutes. The pressure of playing predominantly without the ball began to take its toll on the Reds in the final moments.
Jayde Riviere, who made her first professional start in the previous match against a French side (PSG in October 2023), executed a potential goal-saving tackle against Hegerberg in the first half and made numerous key interceptions while also advancing to deliver crosses. Additionally, Anna Sandberg put in another tenacious performance on the opposite flank, following her standout Player of the Match display against West Ham just days prior, showcasing her elite potential.
