Super Falcons defender, Blessing Demehin made her UEFA Women’s Champions League debut with Galatasaray, ending in a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Olympique Lyonnais, on Wednesday night at the Groupama Stadium.
From the outset, Lyon applied pressure on Galatasaray’s defense. Demehin, however, made crucial clearances and interceptions, particularly in the first half when Lyon dominated possession.
Oluwatosin Blessing Demehin. (Photo by Harry Murphy – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
She recorded four clearances, one blocked shot, and successfully executed four tackles.
Lyon took the lead in the 34th minute through a header from Kadidiatou Diani, who capitalized on a precise cross from Tabitha Chawinga.
Galatasaray struggled to respond effectively, with their best chance coming from Ebru Topçu, whose shot was saved by Lyon goalkeeper Christiane Endler.
Just before halftime, Lyon doubled their advantage in the 45th minute.
Vanessa Gilles found the back of the net with another header, again assisted by a well-placed cross from Chawinga following a corner kick.
The half ended with Galatasaray trailing 2-0, having failed to register a shot on target.
The second half saw Galatasaray attempt to mount a comeback, but Lyon continued to exert control.
Demehin remained a stalwart in defense, winning five ground duels and one aerial duel.
Amel Majri during the UWCL match between Lyon and Galatasaray. (Photo by Romain Biard/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
Lyon extended their lead and sealed the win in the 77th minute, with Diani scoring her second of the night, heading in from close range after a cross from Amel Majri.
Galatasaray’s attacking efforts were minimal, and they struggled to create clear opportunities.
Demehin finished the match with an 78% passing accuracy, completing 25 out of 32 passes, but the team overall lacked the offensive firepower needed to threaten Lyon’s goal.
The defeat is a challenging start for Galatasaray in the group stage of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. They currently sit in the bottom of Group A table with -3 goal difference.
The Turkish club side will look to bounce back from the loss when they face Roma in their second group stage match.
