‘Satisfactory development’: How ‘on the ascendancy’ PSG’s tactical overhaul reshaped the narrative vs Lyon – tactical analysis

When listing rivalries in the global women’s game, some of the ones that immediately come to mind are those of Seattle Reign and Portland Thorns in the NWSL and of Club América Femenil and Guadalajara Femenil in Mexico. However, there aren’t many bigger than the one shared by French domestic giants Lyon Féminin and PSG Féminine, with their biannual league meetings always occasions to behold and matches that fans of both clubs and of the Division 1 Féminine in general always look forward to.

Their latest clash at the weekend, held at Lyon’s main ground of Groupama Stadium, did not disappoint, with it being a low-scoring affair but a memorable game for other reasons as both sides battled hard for success and needed to demonstrate plenty of tactical flexibility and mental strength throughout. With that in mind, this tactical analysis will take a closer look at their respective game plans and highlight what worked and what didn’t in each one, showing the different ways they tried to outthink their opponents and why it ended up in a 1-1 draw.

Lineups

Lyon Féminin made three changes from their 4-1 win at home to Stade de Reims Féminines last weekend, with both forward Vicky Bècho and midfielder Sara Däbritz dropping to the bench and Däbritz’s former Germany teammate Dzsenifer Marozsán missing out altogether. In their place, manager Sonia Bompastor promoted Daniëlle van de Donk and Kadidiatou Diani (who was one of a number of former PSG Féminine players facing their former side) from the bench, whilst van de Donk’s fellow Netherlands international Damaris Egurrola also came in to sit in the holding midfield role, with Lyon switching to a 4-1-4-1 starting formation.

PSG, meanwhile, made four alterations to their starting lineup after drawing at Fleury 91 Féminines last time out, with head coach Jocelyn Prêcheur switching to a back three for this encounter. In came Sakina Karchaoui and Jade Le Guilly to play at wing-back, whilst Sandy Baltimore returned after missing out last weekend to take up a free-roaming role behind the forward line. Malawi forward Tabitha Chawinga was also included, with her partnering Marie-Antoinette Katoto at the top of the field as the quartet of Amalie Vangsgaard, Korbin Albert, Laurina Fazer and Tara Elimbi Gilbert were all named among the substitutes.