Paris FC Claims Historic Champions League Victory, Lyon’s Resilience on Full Display
Paris, France – November 19, 2025 – In a night of compelling drama in the Women’s Champions League, Paris FC secured their first victory of the season, overcoming a resilient Benfica side 2-0 at the Jean-Bouin stadium. Simultaneously, Olympique Lyonnais demonstrated remarkable spirit, battling back from a 3-0 deficit to draw 3-3 against Juventus. These results are sending ripples through the competition, impacting playoff positioning and setting the stage for a fiercely contested remainder of the group stage. This is a breaking news update for football fans globally, optimized for Google News and SEO visibility.
Paris FC Breaks Through with Ten-Player Benfica Victory
Paris FC’s triumph wasn’t without its challenges. A 32nd-minute red card for Benfica’s Caroline Moller, following two quick yellow cards for dangerous tackles, significantly shifted the momentum. The Parisian side capitalized on their numerical advantage, with 18-year-old Maeline Mendy opening the scoring in the 43rd minute – her first Champions League start – thanks to a decisive pass from Anaële Le Moguédec. Moguédec proved pivotal throughout the match, assisting on both goals.
The lead was doubled in the 62nd minute by Maëlle Garbino, who headed home after coming on as a substitute. While Garbino had a chance to extend the lead further, a strong save from the Benfica goalkeeper prevented a third goal. “We are happy, we did everything to win,” Moguédec shared with L’Equipe TV, highlighting the team’s ambition and character. This victory, following a near-miss against Real Madrid, signals a turning point for Paris FC, moving them closer to playoff contention.
Image: Lucia Alves of Benfica (left) during a duel with Paris FC player Anaële Le Moguédec. FRANCK FIFE / AFP
Lyon’s Incredible Comeback Against Juventus
In Turin, Olympique Lyonnais faced a seemingly insurmountable challenge. Juventus raced to a 3-0 lead within the first 37 minutes, leaving the eight-time European champions reeling. Chiara Beccari, Michela Cambiaghi, and Tatiana Pinto all found the net for the Italian side, exposing vulnerabilities in Lyon’s defense. However, a tactical adjustment at halftime, with Alice Sombath replacing Tarciane, proved to be a game-changer.
Tabitha Chawinga ignited the comeback in the 60th minute, followed by a goal from Marie-Antoinette Katoto in the 79th. The equalizer arrived in dramatic fashion with a penalty converted by Wendie Renard in the 90th minute, after a handball in the Juventus box. Lyon even thought they had snatched a late winner, but a goal was disallowed for offside – a heartbreaking moment for the French champions. Despite the draw, Lyon remains undefeated this season, a testament to their resilience and quality. This match serves as a potent reminder that even the most dominant teams can face adversity, and the ability to adapt is crucial for success.
Image: Lyon players celebrating a goal during their match against Juventus.
Arsenal and Real Madrid Clash, Wolfsburg Dominates
Elsewhere in the Champions League, Arsenal continued their strong campaign with a 2-1 victory over Real Madrid, thanks to a brace from Alessia Russo. This result solidifies their position in the top 12. However, Manchester United suffered a heavy defeat, losing 5-2 to Wolfsburg, with Lineth Beerensteyn scoring twice for the German side. French player Melvine Malard managed to find the net for United, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a comprehensive loss. Valerenga and SKN Sankt Pölten played to a 2-2 draw.
Looking Ahead: Crucial Matches on the Horizon
Paris FC’s next challenge is a pivotal match against Valerenga on December 10th, a game that could significantly impact their chances of reaching the round of 16. The final qualifying match against group leaders FC Barcelona promises to be a formidable test. Lyon, meanwhile, will prepare for their upcoming fixture against Manchester United, knowing that maintaining their undefeated streak will be vital. The Women’s Champions League is proving to be a captivating competition, filled with unexpected twists and turns, and the coming weeks will undoubtedly deliver even more excitement. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage and in-depth analysis of all the action.
For fans eager to stay informed about the latest developments in women’s football, archyde.com offers comprehensive coverage, expert analysis, and exclusive insights. Explore our dedicated Sports section for more updates and features.
