As the Lyon women’s squad prepared for their upcoming Première Ligue match against Paris FC, players and staff reflected on the deep disappointment from their Champions League final defeat. The loss left a lasting mark on the team, blending frustration with a collective desire to move forward.
Wendie Renard addresses the emotional toll
The captain, Wendie Renard, admitted the defeat still weighs heavily on the team. “Undoubtedly, this was a tough experience,” she shared. “But as professionals, we must focus on recovery. What’s done is done—we can’t change the outcome.” She acknowledged the shared sense of disappointment among players, emphasizing the need for resilience: “Of course, I feel the weight of this loss as captain. But we’re all hurting after this match. Still, we’re determined to bounce back quickly.”
Coach Jonatan Giráldez on lessons learned
The team’s Spanish head coach, Jonatan Giráldez, described the days following the final as emotionally challenging. “The first day after the match was especially hard,” he explained. “We put so much effort into winning, and the result was crushing.” While he believes the scoreline didn’t fully reflect their performance, he stressed the importance of mental recovery: “The team deserved better than this outcome. It’s natural to struggle mentally after such a loss, but we have to push forward within two to three days.”
Lindsey Horan’s bittersweet farewell
American midfielder Lindsey Horan, visibly moved, spoke about the final as a painful end to her Lyon career. “It’s incredibly tough,” she admitted. “This loss hurts more than I expected.” Though the defeat in Oslo was devastating, she refused to let it overshadow her season: “I don’t regret how this year unfolded.” With one last match at Groupama Stadium ahead, she hopes to leave on a high note with another trophy.
A season’s end with renewed focus
With the Champions League dream shattered, Lyon is now turning its attention to securing another national title, aiming to end the season on a positive note.
