Lyon aiming to retain their Euro crown in all-French final
CHAMPIONS League celebrations kick off at Cardiff City Stadium tonight (7.45pm) with the women’s final where Lyon start as firm favourites to win their fourth European crown in seven years and their second in as many seasons.
They finished 14 points ahead of third-placed PSG to claim an 11th consecutive French title this term, and secured the double by beating the Parisians in the cup final on penalties.
Now they will be looking to make it a hat-trick against their rivals in the all-French showdown.
But despite their recent dominance, Lyon coach Gerard Precheur is adamant there can be no complacency from his side.
“When you win the cup final on a penalty shootout with the eighth kick, you can not be complacent about it. Never,” he said.
“We have got the right mindset for this final and we will not underestimate our opponents.
“You could ask the same question to Rafa Nadal.
“I would say he has won the French title 10 times, but he is back on court trying to win it 11 times.
“I might have got those numbers wrong, but we want to win again. We can do two consecutive trebles.”
American star Alex Morgan has been declared fit to play after a hamstring injury, although Precheur refused to say whether the on-loan Orlando Pride striker would start.
Skipper Wendie Renard has played in Lyon’s three previous Champions League triumphs and says an all-French final reflects well on the state of women’s football in her homeland.
“It is not a coincidence to have two French clubs in the final,” Renard said.
“It shows French football has evolved and gives new momentum for the league.
“It will be a high-level match, we know each other inside out, and it will be special.
“But our president invests in women’s football and we want to repay him by winning trophies.
“I’ve been in this club 11 years and I’ve seen progress, we’ve got the titles to prove it.”
Lyon ended the hopes of Manchester City in the semi-finals of the competition