Lyon complete double as Wolfsburg book return
Monday, May 16, 2016
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Lyon completed their fifth straight French double by beating Montpellier to retain the cup while Reggio Emilia final opponents Wolfsburg have also booked a 2016/17 berth.
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Lyon will go into the UEFA Women's Champions League final on 26 May having completed their fifth straight French double while opponents Wolfsburg are also assured of a 2016/17 European return after their latest domestic games.
Lyon made it five domestic doubles in a row on Sunday, defeating Montpellier 2-1 to retain the French Cup in Grenoble. Montpellier struck first in the second minute through Alves but Mbock soon equalised, turning in Camille Abily's cross. And with four minutes left substitute Louisa Necib sent in a long-range half-volley to earn Lyon the cup for the eighth time in the tournament's 15-season existence.
OL face Montpellier again at home on Saturday to end the league season but a tenth straight French title is already assured thanks to their 5-1 win at Soyaux on 8 May. Ada Hegerberg scored a hat-trick to take her league-leading tally to 33; she also leads the way in Europe with 12.
Paris Saint-Germain, beaten by Lyon in the UEFA Women's Champions League semi-finals, will finish second and also return to Europe next season, and they will have a new coach in Patrice Lair, who led OL to two continental titles in 2011 and 2012 after replacing Farid Benstiti, just as he has done in the capital. Lyon are also preparing for next season, having started their summer signings with Germany midfielder Dzsenifer Marozsán from FFC Frankfurt.
While Wolfsburg were knocking holders Frankfurt out of the UEFA Women's Champions League in the semis, Bayern München were confirming a second straight Frauen Bundesliga title. That left the second European slot up for grabs and Wolfsburg ensured it this afternoon on the final day of the season, beating relegated Köln 5-2.
Vanessa Bernauer scored twice early on for Wolfsburg and although Virginia Kirchberger pulled one back, Alexandra Popp made it 3-1 at half-time. Lise Overgaard-Munk seemed to have set up a nervous finish with 12 minutes remaining but Nilla Fischer and Ewa Pajor quickly extended Wolfsburg's lead.
Wolfsburg, whose eight-game unbeaten league run since the winter break was ended with a 4-0 loss at Turbine Potsdam on 8 May, are now preparing for Saturday's German Cup final against Sand on Saturday in Cologne. The Wolves have won their previous final appearances in 2013 and 2015, both against Potsdam. They also have already made a signing for next season in the shape of Iceland forward Sara Björk Gunnarsdóttir from Rosengård.