Euro bid is still alive insists Blues ace
CARLI Lloyd is confident City Women can still reach the finals of the Champions League despite defeat in the first leg of the semi-final.
Nick Cushing’s side lost 3-1 to defending champions Lyon at the Academy Stadium, but there is optimism in the team they can overturn the deficit in today’s second leg in France and book a place in the Cardiff final.
Lloyd, who was penalised for a handball in the first minute which resulted in Lyon’s penalty and opening goal, has the belief City can go all the way.
She said: “Our best is yet to come. We can’t give them loads of respect, they are a good side but we are as well. When we started to pick it up and play a bit more and be more confident and comfortable on the ball, it gave us that confidence that we can play.
“The result isn’t the end of the world, we have another leg and we have confidence in our side.
“We just have to come with a bit more fearlessness.”
Despite their defeat, City had their chances to equalise in the second half with Jill Scott going close just before the end, and captain Steph Houghton said that has given them hope.
She said: “We know it will be a massive game and the odds are against us but I know what this team is about and it’s about being together and making this cup final.
“We just have to make sure we stick together play the way we know we can and up our performance again.”