Lyon determined to get better of Duisburg

Olympique Lyonnais are confident they can become France's first UEFA Women's Cup finalists when they welcome FCR 2001 Duisburg to their European home, the Stade de Gerland, for the opening leg of their last-four tie.

Henry returns
Lyon fell at this stage last year, on away goals to Umeå IK, on their European debut but are yet to lose a UEFA Women's Cup fixture over 90 minutes, while 2007/08 Frauen-Bundesliga runners-up Duisburg are making their competition bow. The newcomers have registered five wins en route to the semi-finals, ousting holders 1. FFC Frankfurt in the previous round. For OL, this is a third season of dominance in France, and although they have lost Camille Abily and Sonia Bompastor to the new American professional league, tthey are bolstered by winter arrivals Ingvild Stensland and Lara Dickenmann and the recovery of another midfielder, Amandine Henry, from a knee injury. However, defender Sandrine Dusang and playmaker Louisa Nécib are sidelined by respective calf and knee problems.

Experience
Coach Farid Benstiti believes Lyon can outdo their men's side by reaching a European final. "We think we can do it this season and in the future," said Benstiti, adding that they have learned from their reverse 12 months ago, when they were held 1-1 in the first leg and drew 0-0 in Sweden. "Experience is priceless, Winning Saturday's game will be important, as well as not conceding."

Duisburg reverse
Duisburg's recent fine form ended last weekend when they were beaten 3-0 at home by 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam, who now trail table-toppers FCR on goal difference only. Martina Voss's team were caught out by Potsdam's wing play, and also lost Annike Krahn to a red card, but the coach stated: "We deservedly lost, yet I still have to compliment the team on their fighting spirit. Now we have to show we are a team and must not start tearing lumps out of each other."

Lyon strengths
That said, Voss accepts Lyon are a tough nut to crack, as Duisburg attempt to follow in the footsteps of Frankfurt and Potsdam, who between them have lifted the UEFA Women's Cup in four of its seven previous seasons. "Lyon's attack is outstanding, very quick and dangerous in front of goal, and their midfield boasts some technically very gifted players," said the coach, without midfielder Simone Laudehr due to shoulder surgery. "We know Lyon's strengths in attack and positioning, but we know ours too. We will draw the necessary conclusions from there ... We still want to win a title. Nothing has changed. We will do everything to achieve this goal."