Lyon put three past Torres

Olympique Lyonnais moved a step closer to a third straight European semi-final after two Lotta Schelin goals put them in control of their UEFA Women's Champions League tie against ASD Torres Calcio.

The French club took the lead through Shirley Cruz on 19 minutes. Schelin then had a goal disallowed but the Swedish international striker scored either side of the break and Torres had a penalty saved to leave them with a difficult task when the quarter-final concludes next Wednesday in Italy.

Just as Lyon had begun to apply pressure after an even start, Schelin created the opening goal when her cross from the right was parried by Torres goalkeeper Michele Cupido into the path of Cruz, and the Lyon captain made no mistake. Six minutes later Schelin had a goal ruled out for offside but on the half-hour she did double the lead. Put clear after a one-two with strike partner Katia, the No8 sent a perfectly-weighted lob over the onrushing Cupido.

The French champions did not ease off after half-time, Amandine Henry putting in a pair of dangerous crosses within the first two minutes. Katia's strong shot was then tipped onto the post by Cupido but the third goal arrived just past the hour when she outpaced Sandy Iannella in a chase for Henry's through ball and neatly beat the goalkeeper.

Cruz was controlling the game from midfield but Torres began to create chances and had a lifeline with 15 minutes left when they were awarded a penalty for shirt-pulling in the box. Iannella stepped up but Christine Nilsen saved. Lyon were rarely troubled after that with Wendie Renard holding firm at the back and Schelin and Katia a threat up front without adding to the tally.