Back in a stadium filled with memories from her Lyon years, Sonia Bompastor saw Chelsea leave with a goalless Champions League draw against OL Lyonnes on Wednesday night — and a strong sense that her side had been denied a decisive penalty.
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Bompastor praised Chelsea’s response in Lyon, where the Blues faced one of Europe’s leading sides only days after beating Arsenal 1-0 on Sunday.
The Chelsea coach said she was proud of the way her players used possession and attacked available spaces against a powerful Lyon forward line, although she regretted that they did not turn their performance into more clear chances.
Her main frustration concerned two penalty incidents. Chelsea first appealed after Tarciane’s challenge on Sjoeke Nüsken, but the decision was affected by an offside call against Lucy Bronze. Bompastor said she had been told Bronze was offside, while arguing that the defender had not been actively involved in the move.
A later penalty initially given after Damaris Egurrola’s contact with Lauren James was then cancelled. Bompastor maintained that the foul was clear.
“Damaris touched Lauren’s foot,” she said. “For me, it was a real penalty. On the first situation, I was told by the fourth official that Lucy was offside. For the second one, I received no explanation.”
While insisting she did not want to focus on the referee, Bompastor made clear that she believed Chelsea should have had at least one spot-kick during the match.
The former Lyon coach also reflected on an emotional return to a club and ground where she spent a significant part of her career. Despite the lack of goals, she described the contest as a match of the highest standard and a positive showcase for women’s football.
“We played Arsenal on Sunday, then came here barely two days later and produced another performance like this,” Bompastor said. “That gives us confidence.”
A possible reunion later in the competition
Bompastor believes both Chelsea and OL Lyonnes have the quality to go deep in the Champions League. Should they meet again, however, she hopes it will be in the final.
“These are two top teams,” she said. “If we play Lyon again, I hope it will only be in the final. It would be another very high-level game.”
