Juventus Women’s strong start to this Women’s Champions League season continued on Wednesday night as they were able to hold reigning European champions Lyon to a 1-1 draw at the Allianz Stadium in Turin. A lot of eyes were on the Bianconere after AS Roma’s heroics to come from behind to win in Austria on Wednesday.
The Serie A Femminile champions had put it up to their French visitors last season as well, then facing off in the quarter-finals of 2021/22. Then, Juventus won the first leg 2-1 before falling 3-1 in France. That would have given Joe Montemurro and his side hope ahead of this season’s group-stage meeting though.
Lyon took the lead in Turin shortly after the 20-minute mark. A long ball forward from Wendie Renard was taken down in the box superbly by Horan who rounded Pauline Peyraud-Magnin in the process. She then slotted into an empty net despite Julia Grosso’s best efforts to keep it out.
Shortly into the second half, Juventus got themselves back on level terms. Barbara Bonansea worked some space on the left and played the ball into the box. Lyon defender Melvine Malard tried to intercept but ended up turning the ball into her own net.
Domestic struggles, but Juventus look good in Europe
Juventus‘ Serie A Femminile season hasn’t quite gone to plan so far this term, and their recent 4-3 loss away at an inconsistent AC Milan raised some questions about the champions. That was the third time they’ve dropped points domestically this term – drawing twice and losing once, which is the same number of draws and losses they suffered in the entirety of 2021/22.
In Europe, though, Juventus look ready to bloody some noses again. Having progressed through a group with Wolfsburg and Chelsea at the Women’s Super League side’s expense last season, they’ll be looking to do similar in another complicated group including Lyon and Arsenal.
Juventus host Arsenal in Turin in their next Women’s Champions League outing, though that’s not until November 24. The Gunners hammered Lyon 5-1 away from home in their European opener.
