Lyon wrap up another French title
Monday, May 11, 2009
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Olympique Lyonnais will represent France in the inaugural UEFA Women's Champions League with Farid Benstiti's side claiming a third successive domestic title with a 5-0 win against FC Hénin Beaumont on Saturday.
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Olympique Lyonnais will be flying the flag for France in next season's inaugural UEFA Women's Champions League after sealing a third successive domestic league title on Saturday with a 5-0 win against FC Hénin Beaumont.
Dominant display
Having dropped only two points all season, and not lost a domestic league game since 10 September 2006, Lyon made no mistake at eighth-ranked Hénin. They were two goals – and a player – up by the break with Amandine Henry's penalty and Louisa Necib's free-kick putting them ahead while Marie Schepers was dismissed for their opponents. Necib, Brazilian Katia and Élodie Thomis added to Lyon's tally after the interval.
Runners-up slot
Coach Farid Benstiti said: "We worked hard until the end and deserved this title which takes away some of the disappointment we have after losing out in Europe and in the French Cup." Juvisy FCF and Montpellier HSC, in second and third place, will now battle it out for the runners-up slot which also carries a place in the UEFA Women's Champions League qualifying round.