Against Arsenal, in the second leg of the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final, Melchie Dumornay made her teammates shine. OL Lyon will play its 12th final in this competition.
Melchie Daëlle Dumornay, who had shone by her absence during the first leg of the semi-final, lost 1-2 by OL Lyonnes in England, although she had been announced as doubtful, unexpectedly started the match to turn things around for the Fenottes who only dream of the UEFA Women’s Champions League final.
From the first minutes of this return semi-final, the Lyonnes showed their intentions by quickly taking control of the ball and moving forward. In fact, it didn’t take long to see the first Lyon opportunity. Served by Kadidiatou Diani, Ada Hegerberg took her chance but failed to adjust her shot, while in an offside position.After a superb run initiated by Lily Yohannes (17th minute), who perfectly launched Melchie Dumornay into space. The referee awarded a penalty after an English foul in the box. Wendie Renard saw her first attempt saved by the goalkeeper, who came off her line too early: the penalty was retaken.
Wendie Renard (21st minute) did not falter and converted her second attempt with authority, opening the scoring for Lyon: 1-0. From a corner, Jule Brand found Kadidiatou Diani (36th minute) at the far post. The forward delivered a superb volley to double the lead: 2-0.
In response, Arsenal (75th minute) reduced the gap and brought suspense back to the match.
Melchie Dumornay delivered an exceptional ball to Jule Brand (88th minute), who controlled it and followed through calmly. Initially flagged offside, the goal was eventually confirmed after VAR intervention.At the final whistle, OL Lyonnais, eight-time UEFA Women’s Champions League champion (2011, 2012, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2022) is qualified for the final of this competition, having lost it in 2010, 2013, and 2024.
Melchie Dumornay is about to play her 2nd Champions League final
In 2024, barely arrived at OL Lyonnais, Melchie Daëlle Dumornay was unable to help her team defeat the machine that is FC Barcelona. However, two years later, Corventina, who is featured in the team of the week and who is competing with Salma Paralluelo (FC Barcelona) for the honorary title of best player of the week, seems well equipped to go after this trophy and to be a serious candidate for winning the 2026 Ballon d’Or.“I am very happy with this victory, because it was not easy against a very good team that had caused us difficulties during the first match. We had this second chance, playing at home, to show our true face and bring everyone along with us,” she acknowledged while thanking the crowd that was fully behind the team.
“Moreover, I would like to say a big thank you to the crowd for giving us so much positive energy on the field, because it was a tough match. I am really very happy to have been able to help the team tonight. I am very happy to have seen so many people in the stadium. I have the impression that our fans enjoy seeing us in difficulty, but it is always a great pleasure. We hope to have them with us at all our matches. We hope they will all be there for the playoffs and the final,” said the Grenadier, who had a few kind words for the club president.”It’s always a pleasure to see the president in person. We know that she is committed to helping many people to support us in the best possible way with all her clubs, and that means a lot to us,” said Corventina, who took the opportunity to explain the comeback.
“Simply because we are sore losers and we are determined to show a better face. We have a coach who emphasizes essential things, and we are very lucky to have him with us to understand his mentality and his vision,” she said before concluding about the assist sent to Julie Brand, scorer of the winning goal.
“Jule is an incredible player. We know we can count on her in moments like this; she has this ability to break through and draw fouls. The fact that she scores is no surprise to anyone: she may not have scored much this season, but she knows how to be decisive in important moments.”
