Juventus and OL Lyonnes Share Points in Six-Goal Tactical Battle at Vittorio Pozzo
Torino, Italy — Juventus and OL Lyonnes battled to a 3-3 draw at Vittorio Pozzo on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, in a match that featured contrasting tactical approaches and a remarkable second-half comeback. The home side established a commanding three-goal advantage through effective counter-attacking play before OL Lyonnes responded with three unanswered goals to secure a point. The tactical chess match between the two sides demonstrated how momentum can shift dramatically within a single match.
Chiara Beccari opened the scoring in the 12th minute, giving Juventus an early advantage. The forward received the ball following a fast break orchestrated by Emma Stølen Godø and executed a right-footed shot from the right side of the box that found the top left corner. This early goal established Juventus's counter-attacking approach that would prove effective throughout the first half.
Tactically, Juventus deployed a compact defensive structure, prioritizing defensive solidity while looking to exploit transition moments. The Italian side maintained a disciplined mid-block, allowing OL Lyonnes possession in non-threatening areas before springing forward with direct vertical passes. In contrast, OL Lyonnes utilized a possession-oriented approach, attempting to break down Juventus through sustained build-up play and patient circulation. This tactical disparity created a fascinating contest between contrasting philosophies.
The first half was dominated by Juventus's clinical counter-attacking. After Abi Brighton received a yellow card in the 20th minute for OL Lyonnes, Juventus doubled their advantage in the 27th minute. Michela Cambiaghi scored with a left-footed shot from the right side of the six-yard box to the center of the goal, assisted by Tatiana Pinto following another fast break. Juventus's transition speed repeatedly exposed gaps in OL Lyonnes's defensive structure. Melchie Dumornay's yellow card in the 39th minute further highlighted OL Lyonnes's struggles to contain Juventus's direct approach.
The second half began with tactical adjustments from both sides. OL Lyonnes made a double substitution at halftime, with Alice Sombath replacing Tarciane, while Juventus brought on Lindsey Thomas for Michela Cambiaghi. Despite these changes, Juventus extended their lead in the 37th minute when Tatiana Pinto converted a right-footed shot from the center of the box to the high center of the goal. Chiara Beccari provided the assist following yet another fast break, demonstrating Juventus's continued effectiveness in transition. At this point, Juventus held a commanding 3-0 advantage.
The match dynamics shifted dramatically in the final 30 minutes. OL Lyonnes reduced the deficit in the 60th minute when Tabitha Chawinga scored with a left-footed shot from the left side of the box to the bottom right corner. Ada Hegerberg provided the assist with a precise through ball, showcasing OL Lyonnes's improved attacking cohesion. The visitors continued to press forward, and their persistence was rewarded in the 79th minute when Marie-Antoinette Katoto scored with a header from very close range to the bottom left corner, assisted by Selma Bacha's cross. Pauline Peyraud-Magnin received a yellow card in the 84th minute as tensions increased in the closing stages.
The statistical breakdown revealed the tactical narrative of the match. OL Lyonnes dominated possession, particularly in the second half when they controlled approximately 65% of the ball. This possession advantage translated into territorial dominance as they pushed for an equalizer. Juventus, meanwhile, demonstrated remarkable efficiency in the first half, converting three of their five shots on target. The expected goals (xG) metric favored OL Lyonnes, reflecting their sustained pressure and quality of chances created, especially in the second half.
Individual performances shaped the outcome significantly. For Juventus, Chiara Beccari was instrumental with a goal and assist, while Tatiana Pinto contributed a goal and assist from midfield. OL Lyonnes's comeback was driven by Marie-Antoinette Katoto's aerial presence and Tabitha Chawinga's direct running. Ada Hegerberg's vision was evident in her assist for Chawinga, while Selma Bacha's crossing ability created the crucial equalizing goal.
The draw maintains both teams' positions in the standings as they look ahead to their upcoming fixtures. Juventus will be disappointed to have relinquished a three-goal advantage but can take positives from their counter-attacking efficiency. OL Lyonnes demonstrated remarkable resilience and tactical adaptability to secure a point from what appeared to be an insurmountable deficit. Both teams will analyze the tactical lessons from this encounter as they prepare for their next challenges in the competition.