Thomis gives Lyon the edge
Thursday, November 5, 2009
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Olympique Lyonnais are on course for the UEFA Women's Champions League quarter-finals after a 1-0 round of 16 first-leg win at Fortuna Hjørring, secured via Élodie Thomis's early goal in Denmark.
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Olympique Lyonnais reached the UEFA Women's Cup semi-finals in both of its last two editions and are on course for a similar run in the new UEFA Women's Champions League after a 1-0 round of 16 first-leg victory at Fortuna Hjørring.
Thomis winner
In a game played a day after the other seven opening legs, Lyon went ahead on 16 minutes through Élodie Thomis, their early domination rewarded after a slip by home goalkeeper Heidi Johansen. Fortuna went into the game in good form following a 2-0 weekend victory at fellow European contenders Brøndby IF – their eighth straight domestic clean sheet – and hit the woodwork twice. But the Danish champions could not peg back a Lyon side that have won all eight of their competitive fixtures this season, and who were fielding new Norwegian signings Christine Nilsen in goal and Isabell Herlovsen up front.
Teamwork
Lyon coach Farid Benstiti told uefa.com: "In the first half we should have scored two goals but we were happy to go to half-time 1-0 up. It was a difficult match with us being the slightly better side. We played as a team today and that was what gave us the victory here tonight. In Lyon for the return match we must be vigilant and try to avoid letting Fortuna Hjørring score an early goal. Thomis was the decisive player in this match, scoring a goal and always challenging Fortuna's defence."
Difficult task
His opposite number Flemming Nielsen said: "I was satisfied with the display from my players. They worked very hard but lacked coolness in several passing situations. Now we will go to Lyon next week and enjoy the match there. We will give our very best but it will be difficult as it were tonight because Lyon have 14 great players. We can learn a lot from these matches." Hjørring, contesting their first European campaign since reaching the 2002/03 UEFA Women's Cup final, will now aim to turn the tie at Stade de Gerland next Thursday, the night after the rest of the last-eight lineup is decided. For a round-up of Wednesday's ties, click here.