On March 18, 2025, at 21:00, Bayern Munich and Olympique Lyonnais (OL) will face each other in the quarter-finals of the Women’s Champions League, marking a thrilling encounter for both teams as they aim to advance in one of the biggest tournaments in women's football.
The match will be held in Germany, as OL, the reigning French champions, prepare to take on the German champions following an impressive performance in the group stage where they secured six victories with only one goal conceded. This strong showing has naturally positioned them as the favorites heading into the knockout rounds. However, recent setbacks, notably an early exit from the Coupe de France against Reims earlier this season, remind fans that OL is not invincible.
Joe Montemurro, the head coach of OL, expressed his excitement during the pre-match press conference, stating, "We are where we wanted to be, in the top 8 of the best European teams; in the race for the biggest trophy, it's very exciting." Montemurro emphasizes the importance of staying focused, recognizing that adversaries like Bayern Munich can pose significant threats. Indeed, Dzsenifer Marozsán, a key figure in OL's lineup, echoed this sentiment, cautioning against complacency: "The match will be played on details. We need to win our first duels and play for 90 minutes."
The match presents unique challenges, particularly because Bayern Munich has been a dominant force in the German league for the past two years, succeeding in breaking the stronghold held by Wolfsburg who had been champions multiple times over the last decade. Yet, while their domestic credentials shine, Bayern's European record shows they have yet to surpass the semi-finals in this competition, reaching this stage twice previously in 2019 and 2022.
Both teams have faced each other in the past, with OL prevailing in their previous encounter in the quarter-finals of 2020. Nevertheless, Bayern Munich did secure a win against OL in the group stage two years later, indicating that they are more than capable of taking on the French giants.
As for the tactical approach to the game, Montemurro's strategy will likely focus on leveraging the squad's collective defense, an area where OL excels. He stated confidently, "We know how to defend collectively, it’s a strength of our team," as they gear up to face one of the best defenses in the German league.
The referee officiating this first leg match will be Olatz Rivera Olmedo from Spain. Fans will be able to watch the match live on DAZN 1, ensuring that those unable to attend in person can still support their teams from afar.
As the teams prepare to face off in Germany, the anticipation is palpable. Both sets of supporters will be hoping for a thrilling contest packed with high-quality football. The return leg is scheduled for March 26, 2025, at Groupama Stadium, where OL hopes to build on their performance in the first match and secure a spot in the semi-finals.
This clash not only represents a crucial moment in the tournament but also highlights the growing competitiveness and excitement surrounding women’s football on an international scale. With both teams bringing their best players forward and a palpable desire for victory, the stage is set for an unforgettable evening of football.
