Abily proud as Lyon show ability

Lyon face Bardolino
Lyon needed just a point on Tuesday to top second qualifying round Group B3 and ensure they did not play the team that knocked them out in last season's semi-finals – and who instead will take on Arsenal. Lyon now face a tricky tie against the other side defeated in the 2007/08 semis on their competition debut, ASD CF Bardolino Verona. However, the fact the Italian club lost their group decider 4-0 to Umeå underlines the strength of Arsenal's next opponents, with the Swedish team having reached five finals in the last seven competitions.

'We got stronger'
Lotta Schelin gave Lyon a first-half lead against Arsenal, but only when Abily made it 2-0 on 76 minutes and the Swedish international swiftly added her second were Lyon safe against the side they deposed as holders in the quarter-finals last term. "Against a very good team we showed our ability," Abily said. "We still have little details to work on, but it was a very good performance because we got stronger as the game went on while our opponents faded."

Italian challenge
Although they have sidestepped one of the competition's most successful clubs, Lyon defender Sandrine Dusang is not underestimating Bardolino. "They have a good European record, creating a surprise last season a bit like us," she said. "It will be a good match again but that is what we like in Europe."

Akers aim
In the quarter-finals on 5/6 and 12/13 November, Lyon will be at home in the second leg while Arsenal will welcome Umeå for the first, hoping to match their 1-0 aggregate defeat of the Swedish team in the 2006/07 final. Akers, whose side – like Lyon – had previously beaten SV Neulengbach and FC Zürich Frauen, said: "It was disappointing to lose against Lyon, but the important thing was to get into the last eight again and we've done that. The tie against Umeå will be tough and they'll be out for revenge for the 2007 final, but we toughed it out on that occasion and we'll aim to do the same next month."