On the eve of their Champions League showdown, Lyon forward Eugénie Le Sommer and Paris Saint-Germain’s full-back Sakina Karchaoui emphasize the intensity of competition, setting aside their friendship once the match begins.
Despite PSG’s occasional triumphs, Lyon has largely dominated Division 1 Féminine, with PSG securing the title only once in 2021. In the Champions League, Lyon boasts an impressive record of eight titles, overshadowing PSG’s runner-up finishes.
In the recent semi-final first leg, PSG appeared poised for victory with a 2-0 lead, but Lyon’s resilience shone through, culminating in a dramatic turnaround and a 3-2 win. Le Sommer, sidelined due to injury, observed the match’s unfolding drama, while Karchaoui contributed to PSG’s impressive performance.
Le Sommer, a stalwart of Lyon’s European successes, emphasizes the team’s winning mentality, ingrained through years of triumphs, and passed down to newer players like Karchaoui, who joined Lyon in 2020. Despite their friendship, Le Sommer acknowledges the challenge of facing Karchaoui as an opponent, highlighting her versatility and threat on the field.
Karchaoui, in turn, lauds Le Sommer’s leadership and determination, recognizing her as a role model. While both players anticipate a challenging rematch, they also look forward to the electric atmosphere and support from their respective fans.
As Lyon defends their narrow lead in the second leg, both sides are poised for a fierce battle, with the winner advancing to face either Chelsea or Barcelona in the final. For Karchaoui, victory represents the ultimate achievement, while for Le Sommer, each Champions League triumph remains as exhilarating as the first.
