OL Lyonnes' Melchie Dumornay celebrates after scoring.
Melchie Dumornay of OL Lyonnes celebrates after scoring against Manchester United in the UWCL at Progress with Unity Stadium on December 10, 2025. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
A dominant performance saw OL Lyonnes take all three points from their midweek clash against Manchester United in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
The match marked the first competitive meeting between the two sides, whose European pedigree varies hugely. This is Manchester United’s first season in the competition following their re-launch in 2018. While OL Lyonnes are hailed as the ‘Queens’ of Europe, with a record-breaking eight titles to their name.
Starting XIs
Manchester United: Tullis-Joyce; Sandberg, George, Le Tissier, Riviere, Naalsund, Miyazawa, Awujo, Rolfö , Malard, Williams.
OL Lyonnes: Endler, Tarciane, Sombath, Engen, Bacha, Heaps, Egurrola, Dumornay, Brand, Hegerberg, Chawinga.
Dominant Lyon performance
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The eight-time UEFA Women’s Champions League winners stunned the hosts through immediate heavy pressure.
The first ten minutes saw Lyon have multiple chances, which they were unable to convert. Ada Hegerberg, the first winner of the women’s Ballon d’Or, saw her cross deflect to Melchie Dumornay, whose first-time effort sailed over the bar.
In the 12th minute, the away side were rewarded for their early pressure as Tabitha Chawinga’s diving header sailed past Phallon Tullis-Joyce. After a giveaway in midfield, Ingrid Engen’s cross was delivered on a plate for the Malawi international.
Moments later, Lyon almost doubled their advantage via a vintage Hegerberg header. But the Norwegian was unable to divert her effort on target.
Just before half-time, the hosts came close to finding their equaliser. Melvine Malard almost came back to haunt her former side as Hinata Miyazawa’s cross found Malard in acres of space, but her header sailed over Christiane Endler’s bar.
Lyon too strong for United
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The second half saw United grow into the game with more energy via substitutes Jess Park and Ella Toone. However, the Red Devils were unable to capitalise despite several chances.
Midway through the second half, Malard was keen to get her name on the scoresheet. But a well-timed block from substitute Korbin Shrader maintained their clean sheet. The American was called into action moments later with a vital clearance to keep the home side out.
In the 81st minute, Lyon found the second goal they were craving. A piece of individual skill from Dumornay saw the Haitian dribble before unleashing a curling effort which settled in the top corner. The scoreline was completed at 3-0 when Dumornay struck again in stoppage time.
Up next
Manchester United will travel to Brisbane Road to face Tottenham Hotspur, as they hope to close the gap on leaders Manchester City. OL Lyonnes, however, will travel to mid-table opposition, Le Havre. They’ll hope to make it ten league games unbeaten this season.
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