Lyon, the six-time winner of the Women's Champions League, showcased their dominance in the opening match of the 2023-2024 campaign against Slavia Prague. With an attacking display, Lyon secured a resounding victory, scoring nine goals and leaving their opponents stunned.
Lyon, considered one of the favorites for this year's Champions League, proved their superiority in Group B. Despite Slavia Prague being expected to provide tough competition, Lyon's attacking trio of Ada Hegerberg, Eugénie Le Sommer, and Kadidiatou Diani quickly found their rhythm and scored early in the match.
Lyon's attacking prowess was on full display as they found the net six times in the first half alone. The goals came from five different players, including Sara Däbritz, Danielle Van de Donk, Vanessa Gilles, Eugénie Le Sommer, and Kadidiatou Diani. Wendie Renard added another goal just before halftime, giving Lyon a commanding 6-0 lead.
With such a comfortable lead, Lyon's coach, Sonia Bompastor, took the opportunity to rotate the squad and give playing time to other players. Majri and Becho were introduced at halftime, and by the hour mark, all five substitutions had been made. This allowed Lyon to maintain their dominance throughout the match.
Several players achieved notable milestones during the match. Wendie Renard, Lyon's most capped player in the Women's Champions League, played her 111th match in the competition. Ada Hegerberg, Lyon's star striker, scored her 60th goal in the Champions League, making her the competition's all-time leading goal scorer.
Lyon's emphatic victory in their opening match sets a strong precedent for the rest of the Champions League campaign. While it may not be the ultimate test of their championship aspirations, Lyon's performance leaves no doubt about their dominance and potential to win the tournament.
Lyon's commanding performance against Slavia Prague serves as a statement of their intent in this year's Champions League. With their attacking prowess and depth in the squad, Lyon is a force to be reckoned with. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Lyon as they aim to secure their seventh Women's Champions League title.
