As the women’s football world turns its attention to the upcoming Première Ligue finale against Paris FC, players from Olympique Lyonnais are still processing the disappointment of their Champions League final loss. The emotional weight of the missed trophy lingers, fueling a mix of frustration and determination to rise above the setback.
For Wendie Renard, captain and defensive stalwart, the sting of defeat remains fresh. “It’s impossible to sugarcoat how tough this feels,” she admitted. “We’re professionals, and we have a responsibility to move forward. What’s done is done—we can’t change the past.” She acknowledged the collective disappointment in the locker room, emphasizing that every player shares the same sense of loss. “As captain, I feel it deeply, but I know every single one of us is hurting after that match.” Yet, she refused to dwell on the pain, stressing the urgency to regroup: “Right now, the only thing on our minds is bouncing back as quickly as possible.”
The team’s head coach, Jonatan Giráldez, also reflected on the aftermath of the final. The first days post-match were undeniably heavy, he recalled, with the squad struggling to shake off the disappointment. “The Monday after the game was especially hard—we’d prepared so thoroughly, and the result was brutal.” Despite the scoreline, he believes the team’s performance did not warrant the loss. “We deserved better,” he stated firmly. “The mental strain is real, but we have to fight through it within two or three days.”
Lindsey Horan, the American midfielder, also opened up about her emotional turmoil following the final. With her final match for Lyon on the horizon, she spoke candidly about the heartbreak of Oslo. “It’s incredibly hard,” she shared, her voice heavy with emotion. “This season has meant so much to me—I don’t regret a single moment.” Though the Champions League loss stings, she’s determined to end her Lyon chapter on a high note, hoping to lift another trophy in front of the Groupama Stadium faithful.
Now, with the dream of European glory shattered, the Lyon women’s team is turning its focus to securing another national title—a chance to salvage pride and finish the season on a winning note.