Zvezda cling on at home against Lyon

Olympique Lyonnais failed to make the best of several chances in their UEFA Women's Champions League quarter-final opener, but coach Patrice Lair was pleased enough with a goalless draw at Zvezda-2005.

In the meeting of the last two runners-up, Russian side Zvezda fielded new signings Lyudmyla Pekur, Anna Polyakova and Busisiwe Ndimeni, but Lyon dominated the opening period in Perm, coming closest when Nadiya Baranova saved Lotta Schelin's 21st-minute effort. It was the woodwork that came to the home side's rescue after the break; Camille Abily hit a shot against the bar 11 minutes from time and substitute Shirley Cruz Trana struck the post with another effort in the closing stages.

"It was a very good match," concluded Lyon coach Lair. "We came close in the second half but it didn't happen. Still, we are pleased to have got a draw against a decent team." Defender Wendie Renard was also happy enough, noting that her side had "the opportunity to play on an artificial pitch, which we regard as something significant; we have a new experience under our belts".

Zvezda coach Natalia Zinchenko, meanwhile, made no excuses for her side's cautious approach. "If we played open football, Lyon would have torn us apart," she explained. The tie concludes at the Stade de Gerland next Wednesday.