Lyon complete job to set up Duisburg tie

Olympique Lyonnais booked their place in the UEFA Women's Cup semi-finals for the second successive season after a 4-1 home win helped them to an emphatic 9-1 overall success against ASD CF Bardolino Verona.

Second-half goals
The visitors faced an uphill battle after going down 5-0 in the first leg, but they had the best possible start at Stade de Gerland by opening the scoring early on through Valentina Boni. However, Katia drew the French champions level before the break and second-half goals from Corinne Franco, Louisa Necib and Sandrine Brétigny set up a last-four meeting with FCR 2001 Duisburg in late March and early April.

Early scare
Lyon's fellow beaten semi-finalists last season, Bardolino needed something special to repeat that feat and Boni sparked hopes of a sensational comeback when she picked up Patrizia Panico's chest-pass to find the top corner with a half-volley in the second minute. It was the first time Lyon had fallen behind in this year's competition and the setback spurred them into action. Forward pairing Lotta Schelin and Katia created a number of chances but were thwarted by the agility of visiting goalkeeper Carla Brunozzi. However, Katia eventually broke through after 38 minutes with a low strike just a few moments after Panico passed up an excellent opportunity to extend Bardolino's lead.

Strength tells
After the interval, Franco enhanced the Italian side's woe by meeting Camille Abily's 56th-minute corner to head Lyon in front. As the half progressed, the strength of the home team's all-round game told and Necib extended the advantage in the 69th minute producing the type of finish from just outside the area to rival Boni's opener. Katia hit the bar late on but there was still time for a fourth when substitute Brétigny completed the simplest of headed finishes after Abily's strike was parried by Brunozzi.