It looked like Olympique Lyon will travel to Denmark with a minimal win but Melvine Malard’s last minute goal gives Lyon two goal advantage.
The match could have been different if Nanna Christiansen had not hit the bar on a free kick in the 5th minute. However, this was the only time guests from Denmark were threatening Lyon’s goal in the first half. The most successful team in the history of competition with 7 titles, dominated the game and had plenty of opportunities. But the Danish side managed to repel all attacks. At least that was the case until the 30th minute when Nikita Parris opened the scoring with a fine header.
Le retour de la Champions League 😍 pic.twitter.com/XVLZUTqTBp
— Amel Majri (@AmelMajri7) March 4, 2021
Brondby, who hold the record for the most participations in the UEFA Women’s Champions League with 18, were trying to keep French champions from getting a more significant advantage. But despite 75% possession and 31 shots, Lyon had to wait until stoppage time to get the second goal. Melvine Malard managed to head in the cross from Janice Cayman and ensured that the trip to Denmark next week will be more relaxed for the French team.
🔚 En remportant ce 8e de finale aller d’@UWCL 2 buts à 0 face à Brondby IF, nos Lyonnaises prennent un léger avantage dans cette double confrontation avant le match retour ! 👊🔴🔵
Rendez-vous dès mercredi au Danemark pour aller chercher la qualification en quarts ! 🔜#OLBIF pic.twitter.com/WzbSSvsdr2
— OL Féminin (@OLfeminin) March 4, 2021
Olympique Lyon set a new all-time record in the UEFA Women’s Champions League with their 400th goal in the competition, while Wendie Renard set a new record for the most appearances by a player in the competition (90).
Reactions
“There is always a question of the ratio between the chances and the goals scored. I’m happy with my team’s game against a wall that left little space in the penalty area. I am upset by the lack of determination in the last pass. Nikita Parris scored a superb goal. We should have put in a little more and it would have been a good game. The hardest part is scoring goals. We scored, but perhaps not enough to control this round of 16.” – Jean-Luc Vasseur, head coach of Olympique Lyon
“It was a difficult match for us. I am very satisfied with my players. When we only lose 2-0 against Lyon, away from home, we can be happy. We knew it would be difficult. With a little luck, we could have scored a first goal. From our bench, it could have been a red card for Wendie Renard on the fault she committed and it could indeed have changed the course of the game. For the return, we can achieve a good result but Lyon remains the favorite, it is one of two or three teams capable of winning the Champions League.” – Per Nielsen, coach of Brondby IF
Det ender med et 2-0-nederlag i Lyon. Vi kæmpede bravt hele vejen igennem og stod flot imod, og vi er klar til at gøre det igen i Brøndby på onsdag. #brøndby pic.twitter.com/1fykZrRssM
— Brøndby IF Women (@Brondbywomen) March 4, 2021
Score
Olympique Lyon – Brondby 2-0 (1-0)
Scorers: 30′ Nikita Parris (L), 90+3′ Melvine Malard (L)
Yellow cards: 5′ Wendie Renard (L)