On March 18, 2025, Olympique Lyonnais claimed a significant 2-0 victory over Bayern Munich in the first leg of their UEFA Women's Champions League quarter-final, positioning themselves favorably for the second leg at home. This win not only puts Lyon within striking distance of the semi-finals but also highlights the team's resilience and formidable attacking prowess.
The match unfolded at the Bayern Campus, where Lyon displayed consistent control and strategic play, emphasizing their experience as eight-time European champions. Despite a lack of clear-cut chances in the first half, Lyon appeared more adept at finding openings, culminating in Tabitha Chawinga's impressive goal.
The breakthrough came in the 35th minute when Linda Sembrant's attempt to deal with a long ball backfired spectacularly. Her misjudgment allowed Chawinga to pounce, racing through to slot the ball past Bayern goalkeeper Mala Grohs, marking Chawinga's first Champions League goal for Lyon since her switch from PSG.
"Tabitha Chawinga is on a mission and gives Lyon the lead in Bavaria," remarked DAZN's Women's Football coverage, highlighting the winger's determination and skill. Lyon’s momentum grew, and they visibly dictated the pace of the game, though they faced a setback just before half-time.
A penalty opportunity arose when Ellie Carpenter was fouled in the box by Bayern's captain, Sarah Zadrazil. Lindsey Heaps stepped up to take the penalty, but Grohs, in an inspiring performance following her recovery from cancer, made a fantastic diving save to keep Bayern in the contest. This crucial moment kept the score at 1-0 going into halftime.
The second half saw a more vigorous Bayern Munich side attempting to find their footing. However, Lyon remained the more organized unit, controlling possession and leveraging quick transitions effectively. Despite a promising chance for Bayern's Pernille Harder, who shot from distance only to be thwarted by Lyon's solid defense, the visitors continued to find avenues for attack.
Lyon’s persistence paid off in the 65th minute when Melchie Dumornay doubled the lead. Following a well-placed header from Heaps into the box, Dumornay exhibited clinical finishing skills, driving the ball home to give Lyon a comfortable 2-0 advantage. The connection between Heaps and Dumornay showcased Lyon's teamwork and ability to capitalize on opportunities.
"Textbook from Lyon to go 2-0 up against Bayern, as Heaps sets up Dumornay!" DAZN exclaimed in their match coverage, underscoring the well-coordinated nature of Lyon's offensive play.
As the match drew to a close, Lyon had chances to extend their lead even further, though the score remained unchanged. With Bayern's efforts faltering as Lyon controlled the midfield, the visitors appeared confident heading into the next leg.
Lyon's success on the night sets up a fascinating second leg, taking place next week in France. Given their performance in Bavaria, they will likely approach the home match with high hopes of sealing their spot in the semi-finals, fully aware of what is needed to maintain their title aspirations.
This win serves not only as a reminder of Lyon's rich history in the tournament but also illustrates their ability to respond to challenges head-on. The football world will be watching closely as they seek to complete the job in the return leg and continue their quest for a ninth Champions League title.
