Chelsea and Lyon Draw After VAR Overturns Lauren James Penalty
- Chelsea played out a goalless draw away to eight-time Women's Champions League winners Lyon, where Lauren James saw a late penalty decision overturned by VAR.
- The flashpoint arrived in the closing minutes of the match when James went down under a challenge from Egurrola.
- The fixture marked Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor's first return to Lyon, the club she guided to Champions League glory in 2022.
Chelsea played out a goalless draw away to eight-time Women’s Champions League winners Lyon, where Lauren James saw a late penalty decision overturned by VAR. Referee Marta Huerta de Aza initially pointed to the spot in the final minutes after James appeared to be brought down inside the box by Damaris Egurrola at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais. However, the official reversed her original call following a review of the pitchside monitor, leaving both sides to settle for a point in the opening phase of the European competition.
VAR Intervenes Late to Deny Chelsea Victory in France
The flashpoint arrived in the closing minutes of the match when James went down under a challenge from Egurrola. Having initially awarded the penalty, referee Marta Huerta de Aza consulted the VAR review monitor and rescinded the decision. Both teams had struggled to unlock defenses throughout the fixture, though opportunities emerged late in the contest. Ada Hegerberg forced Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton into a full-length diving save during added time to preserve the clean sheet. Earlier, James squandered one of the match’s few clear chances when she fired straight at Maria Grohs after receiving a pull-back from Alyssa Thompson.
Sonia Bompastor Reflects on Return to Former Club
The fixture marked Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor’s first return to Lyon, the club she guided to Champions League glory in 2022. Speaking to Paramount Plus, Bompastor evaluated her team’s tactical execution and performance on the ball.
Coming into the game, we knew the tactics would be important both on and off the ball. We had a plan and I’m really happy with our performance on the ball. We exploited many positions on the pitch and behind the back line.
Sonia Bompastor
The Chelsea manager also addressed the missed opportunities that kept her side from claiming all three points in the south of France.
We created enough to win the game, so we’re a bit disappointed. With the quality of Lauren James, her chance should have gone in but it happens. It’s early in the season.
Sonia Bompastor
Defensive Resilience Follows Busy Schedule for Blues
Chelsea defender Lucy Bronze highlighted the physical demands of the fixture, noting that the squad had limited preparation time following a difficult domestic match against Arsenal three days prior. Speaking to Disney+, Bronze assessed the balance of play at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais.
We dominated possession, but it’s a fair result. The opposition put together some dangerous counter-attacks and held the upper hand towards the finish, though that is simply what happens when two elite sides collide.
Lucy Bronze
Bronze added context regarding the congested early-season schedule and the team’s collective effort in defense.
A draw for both teams, at this time of the season, is probably not the worst thing. Every individual out there gave their absolute maximum and I feel immense pride in all of them, particularly bearing in mind our tough fixture just seventy-two hours ago.
Lucy Bronze