UWCL: Damaris Egurrola and OL Lyonnes ready to chase ninth Champions League title

Damaris Egurrola, a Dutch midfielder for OL Lyonnes, anticipates the French club's upcoming UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) campaign as they aim to secure their ninth title in European history. The team, previously crowned champions eight times, narrowly missed out on the trophy last season when they were defeated by Barcelona 4-0 in the final. Despite their domestic dominance and a treble win, OL Lyonnes remains determined to reclaim their place at the top of European football.

Egurrola emphasizes the significance of the Champions League for Lyon, stating that every season starts with clear objectives. She expresses excitement for the first game, recognizing the importance of another attempt at winning the title. With OL Lyonnes often referred to as the 'Queens of Europe,' their eight titles highlight their dominance in European competitions, surpassing even Eintracht Frankfurt and FC Barcelona in the number of European crowns.

Egurrola highlights OL Lyonnes's strong domestic performance this season, sitting atop the Arkema Première Ligue with nine points from just three matches. Their attacking prowess is evident, with 22 goals scored by nine different players, showcasing their depth and ability to rely on multiple goal scorers rather than a single player. The midfielder believes this offensive approach has been a positive aspect of their campaign, contributing to the team's confidence.

The coach Jonatan Giráldez, who joined OL Lyonnes in his second season, brings extensive experience from his tenure at Barcelona. Giráldez previously won two Champions League titles during his time with Barcelona and led the team to European glory in the 2022/23 season. The Spaniard's familiarity with the French club and their playing style provides reassurance for the squad as they prepare for the upcoming season.

While OL Lyonnes have demonstrated remarkable attacking strength, they have also faced challenges defensively, conceding once in each of their three league matches so far. Egurrola acknowledges the importance of improving the team's ability to keep a clean sheet throughout the season as they aim for continued success.

Representing a club with such a rich history in the Champions League, OL Lyonnes understand the pressure that comes with being favorites. However, Egurrola maintains that experienced players and staff provide the necessary confidence to handle the expectation. The team is focused on each match individually, starting with their first Champions League game against Servette on September 23rd, 2023, with kick-off at 17:45 (BST). Viewers can watch the UWCL matches live on Disney+ through an existing customer subscription.